Molecular characterization and tissue-specific gene expression of Dermacentor variabilis ?-catenin in response to rickettsial infection.

ABSTRACT: Alpha catenin is a cytoskeleton protein that acts as a regulator of actin rearrangement by forming an E-cadherin adhesion complex. In Dermacentor variabilis, a putative ?-catenin (Dv?-catenin) was previously identified as differentially regulated in ovaries of ticks chronically infected with Rickettsia montanensis. To begin characterizing the role(s) of Dv?-catenin during rickettsial infection, the full-length Dv?-catenin cDNA was cloned and analysed. Comparative sequence analysis demonstrates a 3069-bp cDNA with a 2718-bp open reading frame with a sequence similar to Ixodes scapularis?-catenin. A portion of Dv?-catenin is homologous to the vinculin-conserved domain containing a putative actin-binding region and ?-catenin-binding and -dimerization regions. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis demonstrated that Dv?-catenin is predominantly expressed in tick ovaries and is responsive to tick feeding. The tissue-specific gene expression analysis of ticks exposed to Rickettsia demonstrates that Dv?-catenin expression was significantly downregulated 12 h after exposure to R. montanensis, but not in Rickettsia amblyommii-exposed ovaries, compared with Rickettsia-unexposed ticks. Studying tick-derived molecules associated with rickettsial infection will provide a better understanding of the transmission dynamics of tick-borne rickettsial diseases.

SUBMITTER: Sunyakumthorn P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3299920 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature