Multi-omics analysis of zebrafish response to tick saliva reveals biological processes associated with alpha-Gal syndrome

The alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a tick-borne allergy. A multi-omics approach was used to determine the effect of tick saliva and mammalian meat consumption on zebrafish gut transcriptome and proteome. Bioinformatics analysis using R software was focused on significant biological and metabolic pathway changes associated with AGS. Ortholog mapping identified highly concordant human ortholog genes for the detection of disease-enriched pathways. Tick saliva treatment increased zebrafish mortality, incidence of hemorrhagic type allergic reactions and changes in behavior and feeding patterns. Transcriptomics analysis showed downregulation of biological and metabolic pathways correlated with anti-alpha-Gal IgE and allergic reactions to tick saliva affecting blood circulation, cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contraction, behavior and sensory perception. Disease enrichment analysis revealed downregulated orthologous genes associated with human disorders affecting nervous, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Proteomics analysis revealed suppression of pathways associated with immune system production of reactive oxygen species and cardiac muscle contraction. Underrepresented proteins were mainly linked to nervous and metabolic human disorders. Multi-omics data revealed inhibition of pathways associated with adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, and heart and muscle contraction. Results identify tick saliva-related biological pathways supporting multisystemic organ involvement and linking α-Gal sensitization with other illnesses for the identification of potential disease biomarkers.