Keywords
tick; arachnid; transcriptomics; genomics; differential expression; vector
Abstract
Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) are tick species known for their generalist feeding habits, pursuing blood meals with little preference for specific host species. They are found in the southern and midwestern United States but have been rapidly expanding northward due to climate change and white-tailed deer population expansion. Since they are a zoonotic disease vector, their increased abundance has caused the concurrent increased prevalence of a variety of tick-borne illnesses such as tularemia, heartland virus disease, alpha-gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), which effect both humans and animals alike. This increased prevalence of tick-borne illnesses calls for more understanding on how to prevent both the geographic expansion of lone star ticks and their increasing abundance. Tick mitigation strategies, such as CO₂ traps and controlled burns are being utilized to slow disease expansion. These methods can be costly to implement and can incur unnecessary health risks to humans; therefore, alternative prevention strategies for tick-borne illnesses are needed. The development of a more effective methodology for prevention of tick disease transmission requires a robust understanding of tick basic biology, and sensory systems. In this study, we aim to characterize the genes expressed in adult male lone star ticks that are associated with mate-seeking behavior. Ticks were exposed to 2,6-dichlorophenol, a chemical pheromone that is known to play a role in tick mate-seeking and aggregation behaviors. 51 differentially expressed genes were identified, all of which are downregulated in the treatment. The most effected genes are associated with immune responses, suggesting that 2,6-dichlorophenol could compromise the lone star tick immune system. By identifying differentially expressed genes, we can gain insights that may inform innovative strategies to mitigate tick bites and reduce the spread of tick-borne diseases.
Thesis Completion Year
2024
Thesis Completion Semester
Fall
Thesis Chair
Fitak, Robert
College
College of Sciences
Department
Biology
Thesis Discipline
Biology
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Dyen, Mitchell E., "The Effect Of Mating Pheromone 2,6-Dichlorophenol On Gene Expression In Male Lone Star Ticks (Amblyomma Americanum)" (2024). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 186.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/186
Included in
Animal Diseases Commons, Animals Commons, Animal Studies Commons
Rights Statement
