Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Ticks (Jan Perner)

Functional Genomics of ticks

• RNA interference (RNAi): This well-established technique allows us to silence specific transcripts in ticks, revealing the critical roles their protein products in their biology.
• Ex vivo membrane feeding with protein inhibitors: This method enables us to deliver enzyme inhibitors and receptor blockers to ticks while they feed, providing insights into the functions of specific proteins and pathways within the context of blood feeding.
• Laboratory models for tick-borne diseases: We have set up in our laboratory, complete transmission models for Borrelia, Babesia, and Anaplasma infections. We use them mainly to test the involvement of tick candidate genes in tick-pathogen interactions using the RNAi method.

• Tick innate immunity: We explore how ticks defend themselves against pathogens and other threats.
• Haemoglobin and iron biology: We unravel the intricate processes by which ticks manage ingested blood components like haem or iron from host blood macromolecules.
• Proteolytic systems and protease inhibitors of ticks: We examine the enzymes involved in breaking down blood proteins in the tick's digestive system and enzymes or inhibitors secreted by the salivary glands to facilitate feeding.
• Chitin biology: We study chitin, a key component of the tick's exoskeleton, and its role in tick development and molting and transmission of pathogens.

Research and development of vaccine prototypes against Lyme disease

• produce in an E. coli expression system and purify native his-tagged nanovaccines, immunise mice, and efficiently (100% effective) block transmission of B. afzelii (local strain) from laboratory-infected I. ricinus nymphs to naïve mice.
• describe mechanistic understanding of the mode-of-action of the anti-OspA antibodies inhibit the B. afzelii spirochetes in the tick Ixodes ricinus and whether tick physiology and tick (immune) proteins contribute to the elimination of antibody-bound Borrelia.

Combating the Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae): A Fight for Safer Eggs and Healthier Hens

• Diatomaceous earth: While popular on smaller farms, it can be labor-intensive and less effective against large infestations.
• Neurotoxic acaricides: These broad-spectrum pesticides offer strong control but carry a significant risk. Residues can contaminate eggs, leading to product withdrawals and even farm closures, as seen in recent fipronil cases.

• High-throughput testing platform: We've developed a sophisticated system for testing potential acaricides using ex vivo (outside the living host) blood feeding of mites. This allows us to efficiently evaluate a large number of compounds rapidly.
• Focus on safer options: Our goal is to develop acaricides that are effective against mites but pose minimal risk of contaminating eggs or harming humans.
• Joint project. We work closely with organic chemistry experts at Palacký University in Olomouc and industry partners.

Master proteases driving the apical complex of Babesia parasites

GAČR: GA23-07850S

This project focuses on specific proteolytic enzymes appearing on the top of a proteolytic cascade directly driving the function of apical complex during host cell egress and invasion by apicomplexan parasites. An in silico comparative analysis of Babesia omics datasets utilizing Toxoplasma and Plasmodium queries determined candidate proteolytic enzymes in Babesia divergens that will be further functionally and biochemically characterized to confirm their essential role for the parasite and their potential druggability with low molecular weight inhibitors.  Main focus is dedicated to two B. divergens aspartyl protease homologues of Plasmodium falciparum plasmepsins IX/X  and Toxoplasma gondii TgASP3  tagged BdASP3a/b as potential master drivers of the apical complex and molecular events associated with egress and invasion of host red blood cells.  

Research Articles: PMID: 37271664