Elucidating the Molecular Function of Reprolysin Metalloproteases in Tick-Host-Pathogen Interaction

<p>Ticks are ectoparasites that attach to their host for many days to weeks, feeding to engorgement and continuing their species life cycle. The mechanisms behind the successful feeding and manipulation of host immune responses have been associated with the secretion of their specialized saliva. Tick saliva includes a variety of modulatory molecules that must disrupt and counteract defense mechanisms, including a variety of proteases. Reprolysin Metalloproteases, in the Zn²⁺ dependent family, is secreted as a proenzyme and is shown to have proteolytic activity, degrading fibrinogen and gelatinase activity, as well as disturbing homeostasis¹². Previous work with the <em>Amblyomma americanum</em> sialotranscriptome identified over 40 metalloproteases secreted in the saliva during the ticks’ feeding. <em>A. americanum</em> is a carrier of multiple diseases, including <em>Ehrlichia chaffeensis</em>, the causative agent of Human Monocyte Ehrlichiosis. This experiment consisted of two main goals: the first was to characterize <em>A. americanum</em> Reprolysin Metalloproteases, and the second to gain a better insight into the relationship between this tick and <em>E. chaffeensis</em>, a pathogen very understudied within the tick vector and has proved problematic for animal model studies.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Williams, Jaclyn Bo

Contributors dc:contributor

• Shahid Karim
• Yanlin Guo
• Mohammed Elasri

• Biology
• Entomology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/138

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-1147