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Characterization of Glycine Rich Proteins in Amblyomma americanum
Author(s) -
Bullard Rebekah,
Karim Shahid
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.1075.7
Subject(s) - amblyomma americanum , transcriptome , biology , tick , gene knockdown , immune system , host (biology) , gene expression , gene , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , ecology , genetics , ixodidae
Background The feeding habits of ticks require extended attachment of the tick on the host. This extended interaction with the host's immune system requires the tick to shield itself by modulating the host immune response with the use of multiple families of pharmacologically active compounds. Glycine‐rich proteins are secreted from the salivary glands into the host where they may have multiple functions including: attachment (proteinaceous cement matrix surrounding the mouthparts), anti‐hemostasis (block blood clotting factors), anti‐inflammatory (prevent pro‐inflammatory signals or induce anti‐inflammatory signals), or anti‐microbial (prevent the growth or establishment of microbial organisms). Methods RNA‐seq transcriptome was used to select GRPs of interest. The gene expression for each GRP was measured throughout the bloodmeal. RNA interference of a GRP gene was used to determine gene function and to measure compensatory mechanisms. In vitro feeding apparatus was developed and comparative structural information of the tick cement cones was collected using SEM and FT‐IR. Results Nine GRPs selected from the transcriptome showed varying levels of expression throughout the full bloodmeal. Knockdown of a single GRP resulted in no phenotypic change due to suggested compensatory mechanisms. In vitro feeding apparatus supports tick feeding through female engorgement. Comparison of cement cones reveals differences in structure but not composition. Conclusion This study shows the redundant nature of GRPs found in the tick sialome. Although no changes are noted in the knockdown ticks, a network of GRP compensation is revealed. Further analysis of the tick cement cone gives new insight into the secondary structure of the cement proteins. Allowing for a better understanding of their composition. Support or Funding Information This work was funded by NSF MS‐EPSCoR Seed Grant EPS 0903787 and EPS 1006883.