Abstract
Tick populations are controlled through the application of chemical pesticides. However, the rise in chemical resistance has prompted the investigation of other control methods such as the use of tick vaccines. Proteomic analysis provides valuable information about the possible function and localization of proteins, as candidate vaccine proteins are often either secreted or localized on the cell-surface membrane. Progress in the utilization of proteomics for the identification of novel treatment targets has been significant. However, their use in tick-specific investigations is still quite novel, with the continual development of tick-specific methodologies essential. In this study, an innovative sample preparation method was utilized to isolate epithelial cells from tick midguts to identify the membrane-bound proteins. Proteomic analysis was conducted comparing crude and innovative sample preparation methods with 692 and 1242 tick-specific proteins, 108 and 314 surface proteins respectively, isolated from the midguts of semi-engorged Rhipicephalus microplus adult female ticks. This research reports a novel preparation protocol for the analysis of tick midgut proteins which reduces host protein contamination.
Highlights
Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites requiring a blood meal prior to molting to the stage of development, including egg laying
Rhipicephalus microplus, the cattle tick, is the most significant ectoparasite in tropical and sub-tropical regions with associated economic losses estimated at US $22–30 billion annually [1]
The direct mechanism of tick feeding leads to blood loss, lesions, overall reduction in both weight and milk production; and the tick acting as a vector transmitting pathogens such as bovine tick fever, and equine piroplasmosis [2,3,4,5]
Summary
Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites requiring a blood meal prior to molting to the stage of development, including egg laying. Such ticks have evolved mechanisms to allow for uninterrupted blood feeding, making them the ideal vector for many pathogenic diseases. The direct mechanism of tick feeding leads to blood loss, lesions, overall reduction in both weight and milk production; and the tick acting as a vector transmitting pathogens such as bovine tick fever (babesiosis and anaplasmosis), and equine piroplasmosis [2,3,4,5]. Increases in chemically resistant tick populations, environmental awareness, and food and animal product contamination have led to an interest in the development and use of alternative control methods [6,7]
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