Original title:
Functional characterization of the insulin signaling pathway in the hard tick Ixodes ricinus
Authors:
KOZELKOVÁ, Tereza Document type: Rigorous theses
Year:
2024
Language:
eng Abstract:
In this thesis, the molecular and functional characterization of the insulin receptor signaling pathway (ISP) in hard tick Ixodes ricinus was characterized. As obligatory blood-feeding ectoparasites, ticks play a crucial role in the transmission of various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which has a significant impact on human and animal health. The parasite is strictly bonded with its host through a unidirectional transmission of nutrition for its survival, development, and reproduction. The ISP, a highly conserved system, regulates numerous physiological and anabolic processes to nutritional availability. This study aims to investigate the functionality of key components of the ISP pathway identified in the midgut transcriptome, namely the insulin receptor (IrInR), the protein kinase B called AKT (IrAKT), and the target of rapamycin (IrTOR). To achieve this goal, the expression profiles of these components in tick tissues during feeding and after detachment were investigated using qRT-PCR. Additionally, RNAi silencing of individual components was performed, and the phenotype of the ticks was observed. To further clarify the effects of ISP, immunization of rabbits with recombinant IrInR protein and tick infestation were investigated. Citation: KOZELKOVÁ, Tereza. Functional characterization of the insulin signaling pathway in the hard tick Ixodes ricinus. České Budějovice, 2024. rigorózní práce (RNDr.). JIHOČESKÁ UNIVERZITA V ČESKÝCH BUDĚJOVICÍCH. Přírodovědecká fakulta
Institution: University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
(web)
Document availability information: Fulltext is available in the Digital Repository of University of South Bohemia. Original record: http://www.jcu.cz/vskp/74001