Study on the molecular mechanism of autophagy at nonfeeding periods in the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis

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Ticks are hematophagous arthropods and they can survive without food during the host-seeking period for several months to years. This study focused on autophagy which is induced during starvation in eukaryotes. Knockdown of autophagy-related genes and treatment with autophagy inhibitor led to a shortened life span in adult ticks. Tick autophagy might help compensate for the loss of nutrients derived from host blood components during the non-feeding period.