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Pham M, Hoffmann HH, Kurtti TJ, Chana R, Garcia-Cruz O, Aliabadi S, Gulia-Nuss M. Validation of heat-inducible Ixodes scapularis HSP70 and tick-specific 3xP3 promoters in ISE6 cells. iScience 2024; 27:110468. [PMID: 39139404 PMCID: PMC11321315 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Ixodes scapularis is an important vector of many pathogens, including the causative agent of Lyme disease. The gene function studies in I. scapularis and other ticks are hampered by the lack of genetic tools, including an inducible promoter for temporal control over transgene-encoding protein or double-stranded RNA. We characterized an intergenic sequence upstream of a heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene that can drive Renilla luciferase and mCherry expression in the I. scapularis cell line ISE6 (IsHSP70). In another construct, we replaced the Drosophila melanogaster minimal HSP70 promoter of the 3xP3 promoter with a minimal portion of IsHSP70 promoter and generated an I. scapularis-specific 3xP3 (Is3xP3) promoter. Both IsHSP70 and Is3xP3 have a heat-inducible expression of mCherry fluorescence in ISE6 cells with an approximately 10-fold increase in the percentage of fluorescent cells upon 2 h heat shock. These promoters described will be valuable tools for gene function studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Hans-Heinrich Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller University, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Randeep Chana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Omar Garcia-Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Simindokht Aliabadi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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2
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Singh N, Rolandelli A, O’Neal AJ, Butler LR, Samaddar S, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Butnaru M, Mohr SE, Perrimon N, Pedra JHF. Genetic manipulation of an Ixodes scapularis cell line. mBio 2024; 15:e0247923. [PMID: 38380961 PMCID: PMC10936194 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02479-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Although genetic manipulation is one of the hallmarks of model organisms, its applicability to non-model species has remained difficult due to our limited understanding of their fundamental biology. For instance, manipulation of a cell line originated from the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis, an arthropod that serves as a vector for several human pathogens, has yet to be established. Here, we demonstrate the successful genetic modification of the commonly used tick ISE6 line through ectopic expression and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats [(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)] genome editing. We performed ectopic expression using nucleofection and attained CRISPR-Cas9 editing via homology-dependent recombination. Targeting the E3 ubiquitin ligase x-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (xiap) and its substrate p47 led to an alteration in molecular signaling within the immune deficiency network and increased infection of the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum in I. scapularis ISE6 cells. Collectively, our findings complement techniques for the genetic engineering of I. scapularis ticks, which currently limit efficient and scalable molecular genetic screens in vivo.IMPORTANCEGenetic engineering in arachnids has lagged compared to insects, largely because of substantial differences in their biology. This study unveils the implementation of ectopic expression and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in a tick cell line. We introduced fluorescently tagged proteins in ISE6 cells and edited its genome via homology-dependent recombination. We ablated the expression of xiap and p47, two signaling molecules present in the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway of Ixodes scapularis. Impairment of the tick IMD pathway, an analogous network of the tumor necrosis factor receptor in mammals, led to enhanced infection of the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Altogether, our findings provide a critical technical resource to the scientific community to enable a deeper understanding of biological circuits in the black-legged tick I. scapularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anya J. O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L. Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanna J. Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Butnaru
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie E. Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Joao H. F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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3
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Sharma A, Pham MN, Reyes JB, Chana R, Yim WC, Heu CC, Kim D, Chaverra-Rodriguez D, Rasgon JL, Harrell RA, Nuss AB, Gulia-Nuss M. Cas9-mediated gene editing in the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, by embryo injection and ReMOT Control. iScience 2022; 25:103781. [PMID: 35535206 PMCID: PMC9076890 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their capacity to acquire and pass on an array of debilitating pathogens, research on ticks has lagged behind other arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, largely because of challenges in applying available genetic and molecular tools. CRISPR-Cas9 is transforming non-model organism research; however, successful gene editing has not yet been reported in ticks. Technical challenges for injecting tick embryos to attempt gene editing have further slowed research progress. Currently, no embryo injection protocol exists for any chelicerate species, including ticks. Herein, we report a successful embryo injection protocol for the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and the use of this protocol for genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9. We also demonstrate that the ReMOT Control technique could be successfully used to generate genome mutations outside Insecta. Our results provide innovative tools to the tick research community that are essential for advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing pathogen transmission by tick vectors and the underlying biology of host-vector-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Michael N. Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Jeremiah B. Reyes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Randeep Chana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Won C. Yim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Chan C. Heu
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Donghun Kim
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Duverney Chaverra-Rodriguez
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jason L. Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Robert A. Harrell
- Insect Transformation Facility, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Andrew B. Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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4
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Differential characteristics of mammalian and tick-derived promoters to trigger protein expression in transfected tick cell lines. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101906. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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5
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Fasae KD, Neelakanta G, Sultana H. Alterations in arthropod and neuronal exosomes reduce virus transmission and replication in recipient cells. EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES AND CIRCULATING NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 3:247-279. [PMID: 36939419 PMCID: PMC10018778 DOI: 10.20517/evcna.2022.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Aim Targeting the modes of pathogen shedding/transmission via exosomes or extracellular vesicles has been envisioned as the best approach to control vector-borne diseases. This study is focused on altering exosomes stability to affect the pathogen transmission from infected to naïve recipient cells. Methods In this study, neuronal or arthropod exosomes were treated at different temperatures or with different salts or pH conditions to analyze their ability and efficiency in the transmission of tick-borne Langat virus (LGTV) from infected to naïve recipient cells. Results Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunoblotting analyses revealed that treatment of neuronal or tick exosomes at warmer temperatures of 37 °C or 23 °C, respectively, or with sulfate salts such as Magnesium or Ammonium sulfates or with highly alkaline pH of 9 or 11.5, dramatically reduced transmission of LGTV via infectious exosomes (human or tick cells-derived) to human neuronal (SH-SY5Y) cells or skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), respectively. Conclusion Overall, this study suggests that exosome-mediated viral transmission of vector-borne pathogens to the vertebrate host or the viral dissemination and replication within or between the mammalian host can be reduced by altering the ability of exosomes with basic changes in temperatures, salts or pH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehinde Damilare Fasae
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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6
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Nuss A, Sharma A, Gulia-Nuss M. Genetic Manipulation of Ticks: A Paradigm Shift in Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:678037. [PMID: 34041045 PMCID: PMC8141593 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.678037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods that are distributed worldwide and are one of the most important vectors of pathogens affecting humans and animals. Despite the growing burden of tick-borne diseases, research on ticks has lagged behind other arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes. This is largely because of challenges in applying functional genomics and genetic tools to the idiosyncrasies unique to tick biology, particularly techniques for stable genetic transformations. CRISPR-Cas9 is transforming non-model organism research; however, successful germline editing has yet to be accomplished in ticks. Here, we review the ancillary methods needed for transgenic tick development and the use of CRISPR/Cas9, the most promising gene-editing approach, for tick genetic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary, and Rangeland Sciences, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Arvind Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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7
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Narasimhan S, Kurokawa C, DeBlasio M, Matias J, Sajid A, Pal U, Lynn G, Fikrig E. Acquired tick resistance: The trail is hot. Parasite Immunol 2020; 43:e12808. [PMID: 33187012 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acquired tick resistance is a phenomenon wherein the host elicits an immune response against tick salivary components upon repeated tick infestations. The immune responses, potentially directed against critical salivary components, thwart tick feeding, and the animal becomes resistant to subsequent tick infestations. The development of tick resistance is frequently observed when ticks feed on non-natural hosts, but not on natural hosts. The molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of tick resistance are not fully understood, and both host and tick factors are invoked in this phenomenon. Advances in molecular tools to address the host and the tick are beginning to reveal new insights into this phenomenon and to uncover a deeper understanding of the fundamental biology of tick-host interactions. This review will focus on the expanding understanding of acquired tick resistance and highlight the impact of this understanding on anti-tick vaccine development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Narasimhan
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cheyne Kurokawa
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Melody DeBlasio
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jaqueline Matias
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Geoffrey Lynn
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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8
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Kotsarenko K, Vechtova P, Lieskovska J, Füssy Z, Cabral-de-Mello DC, Rego ROM, Alberdi P, Collins M, Bell-Sakyi L, Sterba J, Grubhoffer L. Karyotype changes in long-term cultured tick cell lines. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13443. [PMID: 32778731 PMCID: PMC7417564 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70330-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick cell lines are an easy-to-handle system for the study of viral and bacterial infections and other aspects of tick cellular processes. Tick cell cultures are often continuously cultivated, as freezing can affect their viability. However, the long-term cultivation of tick cells can influence their genome stability. In the present study, we investigated karyotype and genome size of tick cell lines. Though 16S rDNA sequencing showed the similarity between Ixodes spp. cell lines at different passages, their karyotypes differed from 2n = 28 chromosomes for parental Ixodes spp. ticks, and both increase and decrease in chromosome numbers were observed. For example, the highly passaged Ixodes scapularis cell line ISE18 and Ixodes ricinus cell lines IRE/CTVM19 and IRE/CTVM20 had modal chromosome numbers 48, 23 and 48, respectively. Also, the Ornithodoros moubata cell line OME/CTVM22 had the modal chromosome number 33 instead of 2n = 20 chromosomes for Ornithodoros spp. ticks. All studied tick cell lines had a larger genome size in comparison to the genomes of the parental ticks. Thus, highly passaged tick cell lines can be used for research purposes, but possible differences in encoded genetic information and downstream cellular processes, between different cell populations, should be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Kotsarenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. .,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. .,Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavlina Vechtova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslava Lieskovska
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zoltán Füssy
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Diogo C Cabral-de-Mello
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ryan O M Rego
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Ciudad Real Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marisol Collins
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - Jan Sterba
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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9
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Rimikhanov NI, Epova EY, Belyakova AV, Lebedeva AA, Mutnykh ES, Biryukova YK, Zylkova MV, Shibaeva AV, Trubnikova EV, Karataeva DA, Akbaev RM, Tyno YY, Laypanov BK. Establishing a Cultivable Cell Line of the Tick Dermacentor marginatus. RUSS J GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s102279541908012x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Turck JW, Taank V, Neelakanta G, Sultana H. Ixodes scapularis Src tyrosine kinase facilitates Anaplasma phagocytophilum survival in its arthropod vector. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:838-847. [PMID: 31000483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human anaplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular bacterium that uses multiple survival strategies to persist in Ixodes scapularis ticks. Our previous study showed that A. phagocytophilum efficiently induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of several Ixodes proteins that includes extended phosphorylation of actin at tyrosine residue Y178. In order to identify the tyrosine kinase responsible for the A. phagocytophilum induced tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins, we combed the I. scapularis genome and identified a non-receptor Src tyrosine kinase ortholog. I. scapularis Src kinase showed high degree of amino acid sequence conservation with Dsrc from Drosophila melanogaster. We noted that at different developmental stages of I. scapularis ticks, larvae expressed significantly higher levels of src transcripts in comparison to the other stages. We found that A. phagocytophilum significantly reduced Src levels in unfed nymphs and in nymphs while blood feeding (48 h during feeding) in comparison to the levels noted to relative uninfected controls. However, A. phagocytophilum increased Src levels in fully engorged larvae and nymphs (48 h post feeding) and in vitro tick cells in comparison to the relative uninfected controls. Inhibition of Src kinase expression and activity by treatment with src-dsRNA or Src-inhibitor, respectively, significantly reduced A. phagocytophilum loads in ticks and tick cells. Overall, our study provides evidence for the important role of I. scapularis Src kinase in facilitating A. phagocytophilum colonization and survival in the arthropod vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Turck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Vikas Taank
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.
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11
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Bell-Sakyi L, Darby A, Baylis M, Makepeace BL. The Tick Cell Biobank: A global resource for in vitro research on ticks, other arthropods and the pathogens they transmit. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1364-1371. [PMID: 29886187 PMCID: PMC6052676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tick cell lines are increasingly used in many fields of tick and tick-borne disease research. The Tick Cell Biobank was established in 2009 to facilitate the development and uptake of these unique and valuable resources. As well as serving as a repository for existing and new ixodid and argasid tick cell lines, the Tick Cell Biobank supplies cell lines and training in their maintenance to scientists worldwide and generates novel cultures from tick species not already represented in the collection. Now part of the Institute of Infection and Global Health at the University of Liverpool, the Tick Cell Biobank has embarked on a new phase of activity particularly targeted at research on problems caused by ticks, other arthropods and the diseases they transmit in less-developed, lower- and middle-income countries. We are carrying out genotypic and phenotypic characterisation of selected cell lines derived from tropical tick species. We continue to expand the culture collection, currently comprising 63 cell lines derived from 18 ixodid and argasid tick species and one each from the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis and the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis, and are actively engaging with collaborators to obtain starting material for primary cell cultures from other midge species, mites, tsetse flies and bees. Outposts of the Tick Cell Biobank will be set up in Malaysia, Kenya and Brazil to facilitate uptake and exploitation of cell lines and associated training by scientists in these and neighbouring countries. Thus the Tick Cell Biobank will continue to underpin many areas of global research into biology and control of ticks, other arthropods and vector-borne viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF, United Kingdom.
| | - Alistair Darby
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom.
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF, United Kingdom; NIHR Health Protection Research Institute in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, The Ronald Ross Building, 8 West Derby Street, Liverpool L69 7BE, United Kingdom.
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF, United Kingdom.
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12
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Narayanavari SA, Chilkunda SS, Ivics Z, Izsvák Z. Sleeping Beauty transposition: from biology to applications. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 52:18-44. [PMID: 27696897 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2016.1237935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Sleeping Beauty (SB) is the first synthetic DNA transposon that was shown to be active in a wide variety of species. Here, we review studies from the last two decades addressing both basic biology and applications of this transposon. We discuss how host-transposon interaction modulates transposition at different steps of the transposition reaction. We also discuss how the transposon was translated for gene delivery and gene discovery purposes. We critically review the system in clinical, pre-clinical and non-clinical settings as a non-viral gene delivery tool in comparison with viral technologies. We also discuss emerging SB-based hybrid vectors aimed at combining the attractive safety features of the transposon with effective viral delivery. The success of the SB-based technology can be fundamentally attributed to being able to insert fairly randomly into genomic regions that allow stable long-term expression of the delivered transgene cassette. SB has emerged as an efficient and economical toolkit for safe and efficient gene delivery for medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel A Narayanavari
- a Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Shreevathsa S Chilkunda
- a Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- b Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen , Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- a Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
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Grabowski JM, Perera R, Roumani AM, Hedrick VE, Inerowicz HD, Hill CA, Kuhn RJ. Changes in the Proteome of Langat-Infected Ixodes scapularis ISE6 Cells: Metabolic Pathways Associated with Flavivirus Infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004180. [PMID: 26859745 PMCID: PMC4747643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks (Family Ixodidae) transmit a variety of disease causing agents to humans and animals. The tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFs; family Flaviviridae) are a complex of viruses, many of which cause encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever, and represent global threats to human health and biosecurity. Pathogenesis has been well studied in human and animal disease models. Equivalent analyses of tick-flavivirus interactions are limited and represent an area of study that could reveal novel approaches for TBF control. Methodology/Principal Findings High resolution LC-MS/MS was used to analyze the proteome of Ixodes scapularis (Lyme disease tick) embryonic ISE6 cells following infection with Langat virus (LGTV) and identify proteins associated with viral infection and replication. Maximal LGTV infection of cells and determination of peak release of infectious virus, was observed at 36 hours post infection (hpi). Proteins were extracted from ISE6 cells treated with LGTV and non-infectious (UV inactivated) LGTV at 36 hpi and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The Omics Discovery Pipeline (ODP) identified thousands of MS peaks. Protein homology searches against the I. scapularis IscaW1 genome assembly identified a total of 486 proteins that were subsequently assigned to putative functional pathways using searches against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. 266 proteins were differentially expressed following LGTV infection relative to non-infected (mock) cells. Of these, 68 proteins exhibited increased expression and 198 proteins had decreased expression. The majority of the former were classified in the KEGG pathways: “translation”, “amino acid metabolism”, and “protein folding/sorting/degradation”. Finally, Trichostatin A and Oligomycin A increased and decreased LGTV replication in vitro in ISE6 cells, respectively. Conclusions/Significance Proteomic analyses revealed ISE6 proteins that were differentially expressed at the peak of LGTV replication. Proteins with increased expression following infection were associated with cellular metabolic pathways and glutaminolysis. In vitro assays using small molecules implicate malate dehydrogenase (MDH2), the citrate cycle, cellular acetylation, and electron transport chain processes in viral replication. Proteins were identified that may be required for TBF infection of ISE6 cells. These proteins are candidates for functional studies and targets for the development of transmission-blocking vaccines and drugs. High-throughput proteomics offers an approach to evaluate changes in cell protein levels following arboviral infection. Research to understand the molecular basis of human-flavivirus interactions has advanced significantly over the past decade, but comparatively little is known regarding interactions between ticks and tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFs). Here, we employed a proteomics approach using an I. scapularis ISE6 cell line infected with the TBF Langat virus (LGTV) to identify proteins and biochemical pathways affected by viral infection. An LC-MS/MS approach was used to identify proteins that were subsequently assigned to putative cellular pathways based on orthology to proteins in the KEGG database. Biochemical pathways common among arthropods in response to infection with flavivirus and possibly unique to tick-flavivirus interactions, were identified. In vitro cellular assays using small molecules suggest the involvement of the ISE6 proteins, malate dehydrogenase (MDH2), and mitochondria in viral replication. These analyses provide a basis for further studies to identify tick proteins associated with viral replication that could be targeted to disrupt TBF transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Grabowski
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Markey Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Rushika Perera
- Markey Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Ali M. Roumani
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Victoria E. Hedrick
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Halina D. Inerowicz
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Catherine A. Hill
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Kuhn
- Markey Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Machado-Ferreira E, Balsemão-Pires E, Dietrich G, Hojgaard A, Vizzoni VF, Scoles G, Bell-Sakyi L, Piesman J, Zeidner NS, Soares CAG. Transgene expression in tick cells using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 67:269-287. [PMID: 26188857 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Ticks transmit infectious agents to humans and other animals. Genetic manipulation of vectors like ticks could enhance the development of alternative disease control strategies. Transgene expression using the phytopathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens has been shown to promote the genetic modification of non-plant cells. In the present work we developed T-DNA constructs for A. tumefaciens to mediate transgene expression in HeLa cells as well as Rhipicephalus microplus tick cells. Translational fusions eGfp:eGfp or Salp15:eGfp, including the enhanced-green fluorescent protein and the Ixodes scapularis salivary factor SALP15 genes, were constructed using the CaMV 35S (cauliflower mosaic virus) promoter, "PBm" tick promoter (R. microplus pyrethroid metabolizing esterase gene) or the Simian Virus SV40 promoter. Confocal microscopy, RT-PCR and Western-blot assays demonstrated transgene(s) expression in both cell lines. Transgene expression was also achieved in vivo, in both R. microplus and I. scapularis larvae utilizing a soaking method including the A. tumefaciens donor cells and confirmed by nested-RT-PCR showing eGfp or Salp15 poly-A-mRNA(s). This strategy opens up a new avenue to express exogenous genes in ticks and represents a potential breakthrough for the study of tick-host pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Machado-Ferreira
- Lab. Genética Molecular de Eucariontes e Simbiotes, Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, CCS, Bloco A, Sala A2-120, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 21941-617, Brazil
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15
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Tuckow AP, Temeyer KB. Discovery, adaptation and transcriptional activity of two tick promoters: Construction of a dual luciferase reporter system for optimization of RNA interference in rhipicephalus (boophilus) microplus cell lines. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 24:454-466. [PMID: 25892533 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Dual luciferase reporter systems are valuable tools for functional genomic studies, but have not previously been developed for use in tick cell culture. We evaluated expression of available luciferase constructs in tick cell cultures derived from Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, an important vector of bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis. Commercial promoters were evaluated for transcriptional activity driving luciferase expression in the tick cell lines. The human phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter resulted in detectable firefly luciferase activity within 2 days post-transfection of the R. microplus cell line BME26, with maximal activity at 5 days post-transfection. Several other promoters were weaker or inactive in the tick cells, prompting identification and assessment of transcriptional activity of the homologous ribosomal protein L4 (rpL4, GenBank accession no.: KM516205) and elongation factor 1α (EF-1α, GenBank accession no.: KM516204) promoters cloned from R. microplus. Evaluation of luciferase expression driven by various promoters in tick cell culture resulted in selection of the R. microplus rpL4 promoter and the human PGK promoter driving transcription of sequences encoding modified firefly and NanoLuc® luciferases for construction of a dual luciferase reporter system for use in tick cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Tuckow
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - K B Temeyer
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX, USA
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Oliver JD, Chávez ASO, Felsheim RF, Kurtti TJ, Munderloh UG. An Ixodes scapularis cell line with a predominantly neuron-like phenotype. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 66:427-442. [PMID: 25894426 PMCID: PMC4449809 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9908-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The Ixodes scapularis embryo-derived cell line ISE6 is the most widely utilized tick-derived cell line due to its susceptibility to a wide variety of tick- and non-tick-vectored pathogens. Little is known about its tissue origin or biological background. Protein expression of ISE6 cells was compared with that of another I. scapularis-derived cell line, IDE12, and dissected tick synganglia. Results demonstrated the presence of a neuronal marker protein, type 3 β-tubulin, in all three samples, as well as other shared and unique neuronal and immune response-associated proteins. Of neuronal proteins shared between the two cell lines, ISE6 expressed several in significantly greater quantities than IDE12. Stimulation of ISE6 cells by in vivo exposure to the hemocoel environment in unfed larval and molting nymphal ticks, but not unfed nymphal ticks, resulted in the development of neuron-like morphologic characteristics in the implanted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Oliver
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA,
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Motility characteristics are altered for Rickettsia bellii transformed to overexpress a heterologous rickA gene. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 80:1170-6. [PMID: 24296498 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03352-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The rickettsial protein RickA activates host cell factors associated with the eukaryotic actin cytoskeleton and is likely involved with rickettsial host cell binding and infection and the actin-based motility of spotted fever group rickettsiae. The rickA gene sequence and protein vary substantially between Rickettsia species, as do observed motility-associated phenotypes. To help elucidate the function of RickA and determine the effects of species-specific RickA variations, we compared extracellular binding, intracellular motility, and intercellular spread phenotypes of three Rickettsia bellii variants. These included two shuttle vector-transformed R. bellii strains and the wild-type isolate from which they were derived, R. bellii RML 369C. Both plasmid shuttle vectors carried spectinomycin resistance and a GFPuv reporter; one contained Rickettsia monacensis-derived rickA, and the other lacked the rickA gene. Rickettsia bellii transformed to express R. monacensis rickA highly overexpressed this transcript in comparison to its native rickA. These rickettsiae also moved at higher velocities and followed a more curved path than the negative-control transformants. A lower proportion of R. monacensis rickA-expressing bacteria ever became motile, however, and they formed smaller plaques.
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18
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Barry G, Alberdi P, Schnettler E, Weisheit S, Kohl A, Fazakerley JK, Bell-Sakyi L. Gene silencing in tick cell lines using small interfering or long double-stranded RNA. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2013; 59:319-38. [PMID: 22773071 PMCID: PMC3557390 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9598-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) is an important research tool in many areas of biology. To effectively harness the power of this technique in order to explore tick functional genomics and tick-microorganism interactions, optimised parameters for RNAi-mediated gene silencing in tick cells need to be established. Ten cell lines from four economically important ixodid tick genera (Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus including the sub-species Boophilus) were used to examine key parameters including small interfering RNA (siRNA), double stranded RNA (dsRNA), transfection reagent and incubation time for silencing virus reporter and endogenous tick genes. Transfection reagents were essential for the uptake of siRNA whereas long dsRNA alone was taken up by most tick cell lines. Significant virus reporter protein knockdown was achieved using either siRNA or dsRNA in all the cell lines tested. Optimum conditions varied according to the cell line. Consistency between replicates and duration of incubation with dsRNA were addressed for two Ixodes scapularis cell lines; IDE8 supported more consistent and effective silencing of the endogenous gene subolesin than ISE6, and highly significant knockdown of the endogenous gene 2I1F6 in IDE8 cells was achieved within 48 h incubation with dsRNA. In summary, this study shows that gene silencing by RNAi in tick cell lines is generally more efficient with dsRNA than with siRNA but results vary between cell lines and optimal parameters need to be determined for each experimental system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Barry
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
- Present Address: Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH UK
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
| | - Esther Schnettler
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
- Present Address: MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 8 Church Street, Glasgow, G11 5JR UK
| | - Sabine Weisheit
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
| | - Alain Kohl
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
- Present Address: MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 8 Church Street, Glasgow, G11 5JR UK
| | - John K. Fazakerley
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
- Present Address: Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright Laboratory, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF UK
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
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Embers ME, Narasimhan S. Vaccination against Lyme disease: past, present, and future. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2013; 3:6. [PMID: 23407755 PMCID: PMC3569838 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2013.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria transmitted to humans and domestic animals by the bite of an Ixodes spp. tick (deer tick). Despite improvements in diagnostic tests and public awareness of Lyme disease, the reported cases have increased over the past decade to approximately 30,000 per year. Limitations and failed public acceptance of a human vaccine, comprised of the outer surface A (OspA) lipoprotein of B. burgdorferi, led to its demise, yet current research has opened doors to new strategies for protection against Lyme disease. In this review we discuss the enzootic cycle of B. burgdorferi, and the unique opportunities it poses to block infection or transmission at different levels. We present the correlates of protection for this infectious disease, the pros and cons of past vaccination strategies, and new paradigms for future vaccine design that would include elements of both the vector and the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E Embers
- Division of Bacteriology and Parasitology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA.
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Ixodes scapularis salivary gland protein P11 facilitates migration of Anaplasma phagocytophilum from the tick gut to salivary glands. EMBO Rep 2011; 12:1196-203. [PMID: 21921936 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2011.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodes ticks harbour several human pathogens belonging to the order Rickettsiales, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human anaplasmosis. When ticks feed on A. phagocytophilum-infected mice, the pathogen enters the ticks' gut. The bacteria then migrate from the gut to infect the salivary glands of the ticks and are transmitted to the next host via the saliva. The molecular mechanisms that enable the migration of A. phagocytophilum from the gut to the salivary glands are poorly understood. Here we show that a secreted tick protein, P11, is important in this process. We show that P11 enables A. phagocytophilum to infect tick haemocytes, which are required for the migration of A. phagocytophilum from the gut to the salivary glands. Silencing of p11 impaired the A. phagocytophilum infection of tick haemocytes in vivo and consequently decreased pathogen infection of the salivary glands. In vitro experiments showed that P11 could bind to A. phagocytophilum and thus facilitate its infection of tick cells. This report provides new insights into A. phagocytophilum infection of ticks and reveals new avenues to interrupt the life cycle of Anaplasma and related Rickettsial pathogens.
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Thepparit C, Bourchookarn A, Petchampai N, Barker SA, Macaluso KR. Interaction of Rickettsia felis with histone H2B facilitates the infection of a tick cell line. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2010; 156:2855-2863. [PMID: 20558510 PMCID: PMC3068691 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.041400-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Haematophagous arthropods are the primary vectors in the transmission of Rickettsia, yet the molecular mechanisms mediating the rickettsial infection of arthropods remain elusive. This study utilized a biotinylated protein pull-down assay together with LC-MS/MS to identify interaction between Ixodes scapularis histone H2B and Rickettsia felis. Co-immunoprecipitation of histone with rickettsial cell lysate demonstrated the association of H2B with R. felis proteins, including outer-membrane protein B (OmpB), a major rickettsial adhesin molecule. The rickettsial infection of tick ISE6 cells was reduced by approximately 25 % via RNA-mediated H2B-depletion or enzymic treatment of histones. The interaction of H2B with the rickettsial adhesin OmpB suggests a role for H2B in mediating R. felis internalization into ISE6 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutima Thepparit
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Apichai Bourchookarn
- Department of Technology and Industries, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani 94000, Thailand
| | - Natthida Petchampai
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Steven A Barker
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Kevin R Macaluso
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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Ferguson HJ, Neven LG, Thibault ST, Mohammed A, Fraser M. Genetic transformation of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., with piggyBac EGFP. Transgenic Res 2010; 20:201-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s11248-010-9391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2009] [Accepted: 03/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Kurscheid S, Lew-Tabor AE, Rodriguez Valle M, Bruyeres AG, Doogan VJ, Munderloh UG, Guerrero FD, Barrero RA, Bellgard MI. Evidence of a tick RNAi pathway by comparative genomics and reverse genetics screen of targets with known loss-of-function phenotypes in Drosophila. BMC Mol Biol 2009; 10:26. [PMID: 19323841 PMCID: PMC2676286 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-10-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2008] [Accepted: 03/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Arthropods are a diverse group of organisms including Chelicerata (ticks, mites, spiders), Crustacea (crabs, shrimps), and Insecta (flies, mosquitoes, beetles, silkworm). The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, is an economically significant ectoparasite of cattle affecting cattle industries world wide. With the availability of sequence reads from the first Chelicerate genome project (the Ixodes scapularis tick) and extensive R. microplus ESTs, we investigated evidence for putative RNAi proteins and studied RNA interference in tick cell cultures and adult female ticks targeting Drosophila homologues with known cell viability phenotype. Results We screened 13,643 R. microplus ESTs and I. scapularis genome reads to identify RNAi related proteins in ticks. Our analysis identified 31 RNAi proteins including a putative tick Dicer, RISC associated (Ago-2 and FMRp), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (EGO-1) and 23 homologues implicated in dsRNA uptake and processing. We selected 10 R. microplus ESTs with >80% similarity to D. melanogaster proteins associated with cell viability for RNAi functional screens in both BME26 R. microplus embryonic cells and female ticks in vivo. Only genes associated with proteasomes had an effect on cell viability in vitro. In vivo RNAi showed that 9 genes had significant effects either causing lethality or impairing egg laying. Conclusion We have identified key RNAi-related proteins in ticks and along with our loss-of-function studies support a functional RNAi pathway in R. microplus. Our preliminary studies indicate that tick RNAi pathways may differ from that of other Arthropods such as insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kurscheid
- Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
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