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Host cell-specific protein expression in vitro in Ehrlichia ruminantium.
M Postigo1, A Taoufik, L Bell-Sakyi
1Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.postigo@vet.uu.nl
Veterinary Microbiology
|November 17, 2007
Summary
Ehrlichia ruminantium proteins differ between host cells. The map1 multigene family shows differential expression, suggesting a role in adapting the pathogen to mammalian hosts and ticks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Pathogenesis
- Tick-borne Diseases
Background:
- Ehrlichia ruminantium causes heartwater disease in ruminants.
- This tick-transmitted pathogen infects host cells, impacting animal health.
- Understanding its protein expression is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify host cell-specific Ehrlichia ruminantium proteins.
- To investigate the role of the map1 multigene family in pathogen adaptation.
- To analyze protein expression in both mammalian and tick cell cultures.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis using 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
- In vitro culture of E. ruminantium in bovine endothelial and tick cells.
- Identification and characterization of expressed proteins.
Main Results:
- Proteins from E. ruminantium in endothelial cells were map1 gene products.
- Proteins from E. ruminantium in tick cells were map1-1 gene products.
- Expressed MAP1 family proteins were found to be glycosylated.
Conclusions:
- Differential expression of MAP1 proteins suggests adaptation to specific hosts.
- The map1 multigene family may play a key role in E. ruminantium's life cycle.
- This finding aids in understanding host-pathogen interactions in heartwater disease.
