Transcriptomic analysis of tissues and embryos from control and triglyceride lipase 2 (TL2)-deficient Anopheles gambiae females.

We explored the role of triglyceride (TAG) mobilization in the reproductive success of female Anopheles gambiae after a blood meal. Silencing triglyceride lipase 2 (TL2) in An. gambiae reduced egg production and abrogates fertility. Embryos from AgTL2-depleted females develop normally but fail to hatch and are characterized by reduced levels of lipids and key metabolites, including carbohydrates, Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) intermediates, paralleled by increased levels of purine and pyrimidine breakdown products, signifying possible cellular death. To obtain a better understanding of the mechanism underlying embryonic lethality in AgTL2-deficient females, we generated RNA-Seq datasets of tissues and embryos from control and TL2-knockdown females at different time points after blood feeding (for tissues) and oviposition. These analyses revealed that while at earlier time points there is almost no difference, transcriptomic profiles at the later time point of 38 hours after laying were profoundly distinct between both groups. Specifically, pathways involved in neuropeptide signaling, G-protein coupled receptor signaling, and eclosion hormone synthesis were repressed in TL2-knockdown condition while hallmarks of cellular stress were significantly up-regulated. More importantly, pathways involved in de novo lipid synthesis and transport were significantly up-regulated, possibly to compensate for reduced levels of maternally inherited lipids. Overall design: RNA-Seq datasets of embryos from control and TAG lipase 2-deficient mated Anopheles gambiae females at different time points after egg laying. Samples analyzed include embryos.