Cathepsin L of Sphaerospora molnari - localisation, function and diagnostic tools

Rudolf Lukas NECHVILE

Bachelor's thesis

Cathepsin L of \kur{Sphaerospora molnari}- localisation, function and diagnostic tool

Abstract:

The aim of this thesis was to develop diagnostic and quantitative assays/tools based on western blotting, confocal microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy, as well as flow cytometry, to determine the localisation and potential function of the highly expressed cathepsin L of the myxozoan parasite Sphaerospora molnari (SmolCL) in its fish host, the common carp. Furthermore, a recombinant SmolCL was used in a vaccine trial to estimate its potential for raising antibodies in carp and test their immunoprotective potential towards S. molnari. This thesis provides new methodological tools for research and allows a greater understanding of myxozoan parasite-fish host interactions based on proteolytic enzymes.

Keywords

Sphaerospora molnari, Myxozoa, cathepsin L, carp, cnidarian parasite, cysteine protease, recombinant protein, polyclonal antibody, recombinant protease vaccine, western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, immunogold TEM, qPCR, ELISA

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 17. 8. 2022

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Astrid S. Holzer, M.Sc., Ph.D.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Science

Bachelor programme / field:
Biological Chemistry / Biological Chemistry