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A lambda gt11 cDNA recombinant that encodes Dirofilaria immitis paramyosin
A G Grandea1, L K Tuyen, N Asikin
1Molecular Parasitology Group, New England Biolabs, Beverly, MA 01915.
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers identified a specific gene, Dirofilaria immitis paramyosin, from the heartworm Dirofilaria immitis. This finding advances understanding of filarial worm antigens and aids in developing diagnostic tools.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic nematode causing heartworm disease.
- Identifying specific antigens is crucial for diagnostic and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize antigens from Dirofilaria immitis.
- To identify potential diagnostic markers for filarial infections.
Main Methods:
- cDNA library construction from Dirofilaria immitis mRNA using lambda gt11.
- Screening with hyperimmune antisera and affinity-purified antibodies.
- Western blot analysis and partial DNA sequencing.
Main Results:
- A clone, lambda cDi2, recognized by various antisera including those from infected humans, was isolated.
- lambda cDi2 encodes a 97-kDa Dirofilaria immitis protein, identified as paramyosin.
- Sequence analysis confirmed high identity to Caenorhabditis elegans paramyosin.
Conclusions:
- The lambda cDi2 clone represents Dirofilaria immitis paramyosin.
- This identified antigen has potential for use in serodiagnostic assays for filarial infections.