Transcriptome identification of putative genes involved in protein catabolism and innate immune response in human body louse (Pediculicidae: Pediculus humanus)

Joao H.F. Pedra, Amanda Brandt, Hong Mei Li, Rick Westerman, Jeanne Romero-Severson, Richard J. Pollack, Larry L. Murdock, Barry R. Pittendrigh, F. H. Collins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Genomics information relating to human body lice is surprisingly scarce, and this has constrained studies of their physiology, immunology and vector biology. To identify novel body louse genes, we used engorged adult lice to generate a cDNA library. Initially, 1152 clones were screened for inserts, edited for removal of vector sequences and base pairs of poor quality, and viewed for splicing variations, gene families and polymorphism. Computational methods identified 506 inferred open reading frames including the first predicted louse defensin. The inferred defensin aligns well with other insect defensins and has highly conserved cysteine residues, as are known for other defensin sequences. Two cysteine and five serine proteinases were categorized according to their inferred catalytic sites. We also discovered seven putative ubiquitin-pathway genes and four iron metabolizing deduced enzymes. Finally, glutathione-S-transferases and cytochrome P450 genes were among the detoxification enzymes found. Results from this first systematic effort to discover human body louse genes should promote further studies in Phthiraptera and lice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1135-1143
Number of pages9
JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Volume33
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Expressed sequence tag
  • Functional genomics
  • Human lice

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Insect Science

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