title: Phylogenetic analysis of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors in the genome of a typical human-disease vector.
abstract: Ixodes scapularis, the black-legged tick, is one of the most common human-disease vectors and transmitsBorreliaspecies, such asB. burgdorferi, as well asTheileria microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, etc. As basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors have been recognized for many years as important regulators of various developmental processes, we performed phylogenetic analysis of the black-legged tick genome in order to identify the number and family of bHLH transcription factors. Because bHLH family members have been identified in many organisms, including silkworm and fruit fly, we were able to conduct this survey and identify 58 putative bHLH transcription factors. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the black-legged tick has 26, 10, 9, 1, 9, and 1 member in groups A, B, C, D, E, and F, respectively, whereas two were orphan genes. This analysis also revealed that unlike silkworm and fruit fly, the black-legged tick has no Mesp, Mlx, or TF4 family members, but has one more MyoRb family member. The present study provides useful background information for future studies of the black-legged tick as a disease vector with the goal of prevention and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dermatology and Department of Dermatology at No.1 Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Ministry of National Science and Technology & Key laboratory of Dermatology, Ministry of EducationHefei, Anhui, China.
authors.forename: Meng-Yun
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital Hefei 230051, China.
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University Hefei 230001, China.
authors.forename: Rui-Xue
authors.initials: RX
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Allergy and Immunology Research Center, Anhui Medical University Anhui, China.
authors.forename: Qian-Qian
authors.initials: QQ
authors.lastname: Ang
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dermatology and Department of Dermatology at No.1 Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Ministry of National Science and Technology & Key laboratory of Dermatology, Ministry of EducationHefei, Anhui, China.
authors.forename: Ran
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dermatology and Department of Dermatology at No.1 Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Ministry of National Science and Technology & Key laboratory of Dermatology, Ministry of EducationHefei, Anhui, China.
authors.forename: Yan-Yan
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui, China.
authors.forename: Yi-Hui
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University Hefei 230001, China.
authors.forename: Wen-Sheng
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dermatology and Department of Dermatology at No.1 Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Ministry of National Science and Technology & Key laboratory of Dermatology, Ministry of EducationHefei, Anhui, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-Dong
authors.initials: XD
authors.lastname: Zheng
keywords: Disease vector; bHLH transcription factor; black-legged tick; gene ontology; phylogenetic analysis