Functional characterization of the insulin signaling pathway in the hard tick Ixodes ricinus

Mgr. Tereza KOZELKOVÁ

Advanced ('rigorózní') thesis

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.

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 25. 1. 2024

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Science

Advanced ('rigorózní řízení') programme / odbor:
Biochemie / Biochemie