Molecular characterization and tissue-specific gene expression of Dermacentor variabilis α-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 α-catenin (Dvα-catenin) was previously identified as differentially regulated in ovaries of ticks chronically infected with Rickettsia montanensis. To begin characterizing the role(s) of Dvα-catenin during rickettsial infection, the full-length Dvα-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 scapularisα-catenin. A portion of Dvα-catenin is homologous to the vinculin-conserved domain containing a putative actin-binding region and β-catenin-binding and -dimerization regions. Quantitative reverse-transcriptio

SUBMITTER: Sunyakumthorn P 

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

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature