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Differential expression and sequence conservation of the Anaplasma marginale msp2 gene superfamily outer membrane

Susan M Noh1, Kelly A Brayton, Donald P Knowles

  • 1Program in Vector-borne Diseas, Department of Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA. snoh@vetmed.wsu.edu

Infection and Immunity
|May 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, part of the pfam01617 superfamily, show conserved sequences despite roles in host adaptation. Their expression varies between mammalian and tick hosts, indicating complex regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species possess a protein superfamily (pfam01617) crucial for outer membrane proteins (OMPs).
  • These OMPs, including major surface proteins (MSPs), are implicated in antigenic variation and differential expression between hosts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the newly identified omp1-14 genes in Anaplasma marginale, which encode members of the pfam01617 superfamily.
  • To analyze the transcriptional and translational expression of these OMPs in different life cycle stages and hosts.

Main Methods:

  • Genome sequencing of Anaplasma marginale to identify omp genes.
  • Transcriptional analysis of omp genes in infected erythrocytes and tick tissues.
  • Protein expression analysis of OMPs in infected erythrocytes and tick cells.

Main Results:

  • Most omp genes (omp1-14), excluding omp2, omp3, and omp6, are transcribed in both mammalian and arthropod hosts.
  • Specific OMPs (1, 4, 7-9, 11) are expressed in erythrocytes, with reduced or absent expression in tick cells.
  • Sequences of omp1-14 genes exhibit high conservation across infection cycles and between Anaplasma marginale strains.

Conclusions:

  • The pfam01617 superfamily OMPs in Anaplasma marginale are regulated at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
  • Despite their roles in host adaptation, these OMPs are highly conserved, suggesting functional constraints.

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