Rickettsial Pathogen Perturbs Tick Circadian Gene to Infect the Vertebrate Host.

ABSTRACT: Ixodes scapularis is a medically important tick that transmits several microbes to humans, including rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In nature, these ticks encounter several abiotic factors including changes in temperature, humidity, and light. Many organisms use endogenously generated circadian pathways to encounter abiotic factors. In this study, we provide evidence for the first time to show that A. phagocytophilum modulates the arthropod circadian gene for its transmission to the vertebrate host. We noted a circadian oscillation in the expression of arthropod clock, bmal1, period and timeless genes when ticks or tick cells were exposed to alternate 12 h light: 12 h dark conditions. Moreover, A. phagocytophilum significantly modulates the oscillation pattern of expressio

SUBMITTER: Khanal S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8998576 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature