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Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda) induces changes in expression of select genes of Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera)

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Abstract

The flour beetle Tribolium confusum is a common experimental intermediate host for the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta, but while many aspects of their host–parasite interactions have been determined to have genetic basis, the genes involved have not been identified. In this paper, we report on the expression of several predicted metabolic and defense-related genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction 2 weeks after initial infection of the beetle. The expression of heat shock protein 68, a predicted sugar transporter, a pheromone binding protein, and endoglin were up-regulated in infected beetles. The expression of thaumatin-like protein and prophenoloxidase 2/3 was down-regulated in infected beetles, while the mRNA levels of Toll-like receptor 3, Toll-like receptor 4, and lysozyme 4 were not affected by infection with H. diminuta.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by an NSERC operating grant to MB and an NSERC PGS-M graduate fellowship to SJH. We thank Dr. B. Andrew Keddie for reading the manuscript and Dr. Patrick C. Hanington for discussions on optimization of the PCR reactions and RNA isolation techniques. The experiments reported herein were conducted in accordance with the laws of Canada.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CW-405 Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9

    Steven J. Hitchen, Allen W. Shostak & Miodrag Belosevic

  2. Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

    Miodrag Belosevic

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  1. Steven J. Hitchen
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  2. Allen W. Shostak
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  3. Miodrag Belosevic
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Correspondence to Miodrag Belosevic.

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Hitchen, S.J., Shostak, A.W. & Belosevic, M. Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda) induces changes in expression of select genes of Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera). Parasitol Res 105, 875–879 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-009-1481-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-009-1481-2

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