Expression plasticity of Phlebotomus papatasi salivary gland genes in distinct ecotopes through the sand fly season.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sand fly saliva can drive the outcome of Leishmania infection in animal models, and salivary components have been postulated as vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis. In the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi, natural sugar-sources modulate the activity of proteins involved in meal digestion, and possibly influence vectorial capacity. However, only a handful of studies have assessed the variability of salivary components in sand flies, focusing on the effects of environmental factors in natural habitats. In order to better understand such interactions, we compared the expression profiles of nine P. papatasi salivary gland genes of specimens inhabiting different ecological habitats in Egypt and Jordan and throughout the sand fly season in each habitat.

Results

The ma

SUBMITTER: Coutinho-Abreu IV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3209445 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature