The morphology and physiology of the oogenesis have been well studied in the vector of Chagas disease Rhodnius prolixus. However, the molecular interactions that regulate the process of egg formation, key for the reproductive cycle of the vector, is still largely unknown. In order to understand the molecular and cellular basis of the oogenesis, we examined the function of the gene Bicaudal C (BicC) during oogenesis and early development of R. prolixus. We show that R. prolixus BicC (Rp-BicC) gene is expressed in the germarium, with cytoplasmic distribution, as well as in the follicular epithelium of the developing oocytes. RNAi silencing of Rp-BicC resulted in sterile females that lay few, small, non-viable eggs. The ovaries are reduced in size and show a disarray of the follicular epithelium. This indicates that Rp-BicC has a central role in the regulation of oogenesis. Although the follicular cells are able to form the chorion, the uptake of vitelline by the oocytes is compromised. We show evidence that the polarity of the follicular epithelium and the endocytic pathway, which are crucial for the proper yolk deposition, are affected. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying oocyte development and show that Rp-BicC is important for de developmental of the egg and, therefore, a key player in the reproduction of this insect.

查加斯病媒介Rhodnius prolixus卵子发生的形态和生理学已得到充分研究。然而，调节卵子形成过程（载体繁殖周期的关键）的分子相互作用仍然很大程度上未知。为了了解卵子发生的分子和细胞基础，我们检查了基因Bicaudal C ( BicC ) 在R. prolixus卵子发生和早期发育过程中的功能。我们发现，R. prolixus BicC ( Rp-BicC ) 基因在生殖细胞中表达，并分布在细胞质中，以及在发育中的卵母细胞的滤泡上皮中表达。Rp-BicC的 RNAi 沉默导致不育雌性产下少量、小且不能存活的卵。卵巢体积缩小，滤泡上皮紊乱。这表明Rp-BicC在卵子发生的调节中具有核心作用。尽管滤泡细胞能够形成绒毛膜，但卵母细胞对卵黄素的摄取受到损害。我们的证据表明，对于卵黄正常沉积至关重要的滤泡上皮的极性和内吞途径受到影响。这项研究深入了解了卵母细胞发育的分子机制，并表明Rp-BicC对于卵子的发育很重要，因此是这种昆虫繁殖的关键参与者。