University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

 

Gluck Center > Directory > Gluck Faculty >Howe, DK

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Examination of the SnSAG Gene Family in Sarcocystis neurona

Contact:
Ablesh Gautam, graduate student
ablesh.gautam@uky.edu
Daniel K. Howe, Ph.D.
E-mail: dkhowe2@uky.edu
Phone: (859) 218-1113

The surface of Sarcocystis neurona is covered with a related group of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) – anchored proteins, which are referred to as surface antigens (SnSAGs). The SnSAGs are orthologous to the closely related apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii surface antigens (TgSAGs) and SAG-related sequences (SRSs). These surface molecules may be required by the parasite for host cell attachment, invasion, and/or immune modulation.

We are examining the SnSAG surface antigens to better comprehend the parasite, its complex life cycle, and the host-parasite relationship. The information acquired may be useful for developing better diagnostics and preventive measures.
Graphic showing SnSAGs of S. neurona

The SnSAGs of S. neurona are immunogenic (from Howe et al., 2005).

Graphic showing surface antigens

Expression of surface antigens during intracellular development of S. neurona. The host cell nucleus (HCN) was DAPI stained and the surface antigens on the developing schizonts are FITC labeled.

 

 

Maxwell H.Gluck Equine Research Center
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0099

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