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Gene discovery in Triatoma infestans
María L Avila1, Valeria Tekiel, Georgina Moretti
1Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín-CONICET, Av, Gral Paz 5445, Edificio 24, B1650KNA, San Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Parasites & Vectors
|March 23, 2011
Summary
Researchers sequenced Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) from the Chagas disease vector Triatoma infestans, identifying 136 new genes. Some new genes involved in development and reproduction could be targets for novel insecticides.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Vector Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Triatoma infestans is a primary vector of Chagas disease in South America.
- Limited genomic information exists for Triatoma infestans, hindering research.
- Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) are crucial for identifying genes in unsequmented genomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To expand the gene discovery for Triatoma infestans.
- To identify novel genes within the Reduviidae family.
- To find potential targets for new insecticide development.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs).
- Assembly of ESTs into unique sequences.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify new genes.
Main Results:
- Generated 826 ESTs, increasing available data by 47%.
- Assembled ESTs into 471 unique sequences.
- Identified 151 unique sequences representing 136 new genes for the Reduviidae family.
Conclusions:
- Discovery of novel genes in Triatoma infestans.
- Identification of genes related to development and reproduction.
- Potential for these genes to serve as targets for insecticide development.
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