Valosin-containing protein from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis: effects of dsRNA-mediated HlVCP gene silencing

Biochem Cell Biol. 2007 Jun;85(3):384-94. doi: 10.1139/o07-051.

Abstract

We report the cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding the valosin-containing protein (VCP) from the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick (HlVCP). The full-length HlVCP is 2782 bp and codes for 808 amino acids of a deduced protein with a predicted molecular mass of 89.9 kDa. The domain structure analysis revealed that the deduced protein has 2 Walker A domains, 2 Walker B domains, a Cdc48 domain, and a polyQ-binding domain. The mouse anti-HlVCP serum recognized a 97 kDa native protein in the salivary glands, midgut, and synganglion. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the native VCP was expressed throughout the developing stages and in tick organs. HlVCP silencing resulted in a decrease in tick body mass after blood feeding. This study not only contributes to a growing understanding of the ATPase gene family but also lays the groundwork for future studies on protein secretion and host-tick interaction. This study is the first report of the VCP gene from Chelicerata, which include spiders, scorpions, and ticks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / chemistry
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics*
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / chemistry
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Female
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ixodidae / genetics*
  • Ixodidae / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Molecular Weight
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA Interference
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Valosin Containing Protein

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • RNA
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • Valosin Containing Protein
  • Vcp protein, mouse