Gene silencing of a cubilin-related serine proteinase from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis by RNA interference.
RNA interference (RNAi) has been recently exploited to determine gene function by degrading specific mRNAs in several eukaryotic organisms. We constructed a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) from a previously cloned Haemaphysalis longicornis serine proteinase (HlSP) gene to test the importance of the function of the HlSP gene product during blood-feeding. Growth of unfed ticks treated with HlSP dsRNA was significantly inhibited compared to that of PBS-treated ticks. This inhibition was supported by the level of HlSP mRNA. HlSP may play a crucial role for blood-feeding in these ticks. This is the first report on gene silencing of a functional serine proteinase in hard ticks.
Miyoshi
Takeharu
T
National Institute of Animal Health, National Agricultural Research Organization, Ibaraki, Japan.
Tsuji
Naotoshi
N
Islam
M Khyrul
MK
Kamio
Tsugihiko
T
Fujisaki
Kozo
K
D000818:Animals; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D026863:Ixodidae / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development; D034622:RNA Interference / Q000502:physiology*; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases