Preparation for biological warfare
Geneticists are looking for a way to neutralize ticks using DNA editing
TSU Press Service
Scientists of the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology together with the Department of Invertebrate Zoology of the Biological Institute of Tomsk State University are investigating the microbiota of ticks – carriers of tick-borne encephalitis, borreliosis (Lyme disease) and other infections. The researchers intend to identify the microorganisms that are most commonly found in the intestines of infected arachnids. Geneticists plan to modify symbiont microbes with the help of engineering biology technologies and use them as a tool to reduce the number of infected ticks.
– The objects of the study are three species of ticks widely distributed in Siberia and the Far East: Ixodes persulcatus (taiga), Ixodes pavlovsky (Pavlovsky tick) and Dermacentor reticulatus (meadow tick), – says Alina Kohanenko, senior researcher at the Laboratory of Ecology, Genetics and Environmental Protection of BI TSU. – With the help of DNA sequencing, we study the species diversity of microorganisms living inside their intestines, since it is the intestine that is the place of long-term contact of the pathogen and the tick organism.
The task of the researchers is to find out which microorganisms most often inhabit the intestines of ticks infected with the tick-borne encephalitis virus or the bacterium that causes Lyme disease (the most common tick-borne infections). Once the symbiont microbes are identified, scientists will be able to modify them using genomic editing technologies, for example, by introducing a toxic agent. When the tick's natural microbiota encounters an infection, the mechanism of toxin release into the intestinal cavity will be triggered, which will lead to the death of the infected individual.
– This will ensure a targeted impact on the tick population without completely eliminating it, because ticks, potentially dangerous to humans, are an important component of the ecosystem. Their existence is necessary to preserve the natural balance, – says Alina Kohanenko. – In addition, during the traditional anti-tick treatments of the area, other inhabitants of the ecosystem, in addition to ticks, also suffer. Thus, the negative impact on the environment will be minimized.
We should add that along with scientists of the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology of BI TSU, students of several other departments are involved in research, including a new master's program launched on the basis of the Biological Institute. Under this program, undergraduates are taught to analyze the genomes of living organisms and edit them using bioinformatics and genetic engineering methods. These technologies will help to respond to the global challenges of humanity, fight dangerous diseases of humans and animals, environmental pollution and preserve species diversity.
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