Antifreeze Protein Expression in Ticks

Abstract

In order to survive freezing temperatures, poikilotherms must engage in a variety of physiological mechanisms. While this may involve increasing production of solutes like glycerol, these colligative means are often insufficient for survival. Therefore, antifreeze proteins are a common way for poikilotherms to prevent cellular injury and survive freezing temperatures. Antifreeze proteins have been identified in a variety of organisms including animals, plants, bacteria, and arthropods, such as ticks. Antifreeze glycoproteins have been identified in two tick species to date, although other types of antifreeze proteins exist. While the DNA sequences responsible for these two tick antifreeze proteins is known, the presence and sequence of antifreeze proteins in other tick species remains elusive. Therefore, this research studied two common Alberta tick species, Dermacentor andersoni and Dermacentor variabilis, in an attempt to identify and isolate their antifreeze protein DNA sequences. This was done through isolation of their mRNA, followed by formation of cDNA by RT-PCR, and PCR with this cDNA using primers from previously identified antifreeze sequences. This research has significance in understanding the evolutionary history of these ticks, potential ranges of diseases they can carry, as well as potential uses in biotechnology.

Discipline: Biological Sciences

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kevin Friesen