Project description:We report the discovery of six novel miRNAs expressed by Herpesvirus saimiri (strain A11). These miRNAs are generated by a non-canonical biogenesis pathway that does not require the Microprocessor complex. Examination of one sample prepared from common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) T cells latently infected with Hespesvirus saimiri (strain A11).
Project description:Unlike in Asia and Latin America, Plasmodium vivax infections were rare in Sub-Saharan Africa due to the absence of the Duffy blood group antigen (Duffy Antigen), the only known erythrocyte receptor for the P. vivax merozoite invasion ligand, Duffy Binding Protein 1 (DBP1). However, P. vivax infections have been documented in Duffy-negative individuals throughout Africa, suggesting that P. vivax may use ligands other than DBP1 to invade Duffy-negative erythrocytes through other receptors. To identify potential P. vivax ligands, we compared parasite gene expression in Saimiri and Aotus monkey erythrocytes infected with P. vivax Salvador I (Sal I). DBP1 binds Aotus but does not bind to Saimiri erythrocytes, and thus P. vivax Sal I must invade Saimiri erythrocytes independently of DBP1. Comparing RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data for late stage infections in Saimiri and Aotus erythrocytes when invasion ligands are expressed, we identified genes that belong to tryptophan-rich antigen and MSP3 families that were more abundantly expressed in Saimiri infections as compared to Aotus infections. These genes may encode potential ligands responsible for P. vivax infections of Duffy-negative Africans.
Project description:DNA methylation data from common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) profiled on the mammalian methylation array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40) which focuses on highly conserved CpGs across mammalian species. Rapamycin study in a subset of animals.
