Characterization of a Vitellogenin Gene Fragment in Boophilus microplus Ticks

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008 Dec:1149:58-61. doi: 10.1196/annals.1428.034.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to isolate, clone, and characterize a fragment of the vitellogenin (Vg) gene from a B. microplus tick strain from Mexico. Using cDNA and specific primers, an 1800-bp fragment was amplified, cloned, and transformed in into E. coli, and then sequenced. Comparative analysis with a previously reported sequence showed 99% identity at both the nucleotide and amino acid level. The predicted amino acid sequence of the Mexican Vg has 6 positive mutations. There is an insertion of an aspartic acid on position 26 and a deletion on position 552 with respect to the reported sequence. There were 11 predicted glycosylation sites conserved in both strains. It is concluded that there is a high sequence homology of Vg in both strains.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA Primers
  • Glycosylation
  • Mutation
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Ticks / genetics*
  • Vitellogenins / chemistry
  • Vitellogenins / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Vitellogenins