Validation of heat-inducible HSP70 and tick-specific 3xP3 promoters in ISE6 cells.

is an important vector of many pathogens, including the causative agent of Lyme disease. The gene function studies in and other ticks are hampered by the lack of genetic tools, including an inducible promoter for temporal control over transgene-encoding protein or double-stranded RNA. We characterized an intergenic sequence upstream of a heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene that can drive luciferase and mCherry expression in the cell line ISE6 (IsHSP70).

Arthropod promoters for genetic control of disease vectors.

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) impose devastating effects on human health and a heavy financial burden. Malaria, Lyme disease, and dengue fever are just a few examples of VBDs that cause severe illnesses. The current strategies to control VBDs consist mainly of environmental modification and chemical use, and to a small extent, genetic approaches.

Validation of a heat-inducible HSP70 promoter and developing a tick-specific 3xP3 promoter sequence in ISE6 cells.

is an important vector of many pathogens, including the causative agent of Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and anaplasmosis. The study of gene function in and other ticks has been hampered by the lack of genetic tools, such as an inducible promoter to permit temporal control over transgenes encoding protein or double-stranded RNA expression. Studies of vector-pathogen relationships would also benefit from the capability to activate anti-pathogen genes at different times during pathogen infection and dissemination.

Increased (Pro)renin Receptor Expression in the Hypertensive Human Brain.

Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) - a central physiological pathway involved in controlling blood pressure (BP) - leads to hypertension. It is now well-recognized that the central nervous system (CNS) has its own local RAS, and the majority of its components are known to be expressed in the brain. In physiological and pathological states, the (pro)renin receptor (PRR), a novel component of the brain RAS, plays a key role in the formation of angiotensin II (Ang II) and also mediates Ang II-independent PRR signaling.