Transcriptome analysis of resistance and/or susceptibility in beef cattle of different genetic groups to Babesia bovis infections

• Grant number: 19/22675-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2020
• End date: April 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Genetics and Improvement of Domestic Animals
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Giglioti
• Grantee: Rodrigo Giglioti
• Host Institution: Instituto de Zootecnia. Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). Nova Odessa , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Adriana Mércia Guaratini Ibelli ; Anibal Eugênio Vercesi Filho ; Cecília José Veríssimo ; Cintia Hiromi Okino ; Guilherme Jordão de Magalhães Rosa ; Henrique Nunes de Oliveira ; Isabel Kinney Ferreira de Miranda Santos ; Luciana Morita Katiki ; Marcia Cristina de Sena Oliveira ; Rosangela Zacarias Machado

Abstract

The present study will aim to evaluate natural Babesia bovis infections in beef cattle of three genetic groups (Angus (100% taurine), Brangus (50% Angus and 50% zebu) and Nellore (100% zebu) since the weaning phase for the identification of differentially expressed genes related to the higher resistance and/or susceptibility of these animals to infections with this protozoan. For 60 days, weekly, from each animal, blood samples will be take to extract serum, DNA and RNA. After the second month, collections will be take fortnightly until weaned stage (8 months). For day zero, samples will be collected before the animals have received colostrum and previous contact with ticks. The serum samples will be used to quantify the levels of IgG and IgM antibodies anti-B. bovis by Elisa assay. DNA samples will be used to estimate the infection levels of B. bovis by quantification the number of DNA copies by qPCR. RNA samples from five animals in each genetic group (n = 15) will be submitted for transcriptomic analysis using the RNA-seq methodology. For this analysis, will be used RNA samples from day zero and the samples from the subsequent evaluation that present the highest infection level of B. bovis will be used, determined by the analyzes of Elisa and qPCR. With the analysis of RNA-seq, it is expected to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the resistance and/or susceptibility of the animals studied. Once identified, these genes will be evaluated by means of relative quantification of gene expression by Real Time PCR preceded by the reverse transcription reaction. For this study of gene expression, RNA samples from all animals and all evaluations will be used. This project will contribute with the understanding of hemoparasite-host interaction. The RNA-seq sequencing technology for obtaining transcriptomic data will contribute to the identification of DEGs related to higher resistance and/or susceptibility of animals to B. bovis infections. DEG identified in RNA-seq studies can be validated by gene expression studies by Real-time PCR. Nowadays, in Brazil, there is a growing interest in the use of more productive beef cattle, and consequently, in the selection of animals more adapted to tropical conditions, especially parasite resistance. Studies have shown that it is possible to select for increased resistance to tick. However, little has been studied regarding studies of resistance to Babesia infections. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

GIGLIOTI, RODRIGO; AZEVEDO, BIANCA TAINA; DE OLIVEIRA, HENRIQUE NUNES; KATIKI, LUCIANA MORITA; VERCESI FILHO, ANIBAL EUGENIO; DE SENA OLIVEIRA, MARCIA CRISTINA; OKINO, CINTIA HIROMI. How long does the mRNA remains stable in untreated whole bovine blood?. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS, v. 49, n. 1, OCT 2021. (16/07216-7, 19/22675-6)

FRABETTI, ACUCENA FRAGNAN; KATIKI, LUCIANA MORITA; CAETANO, LAURA; SARTI, MAYNE BARBOZA; FALASCA, THAMIRES MAROCCI; POLLI, HIAGO; VERISSIMO, CECILIA JOSE; VERCESI FILHO, ANIBAL EUGENIO; DE OLIVEIRA, HENRIQUE NUNES; OLIVEIRA, MARCIA CRISTINA DE SENA; et al. Natural levels of Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and Anaplasma marginale infection in Angus and Ultrablack calves. Experimental and Applied Acarology, v. 89, n. 1, p. 10-pg., 2023-01-05. (19/22675-6, 18/19452-2)

GIGLIOTI, RODRIGO; OKINO, CINTIA HIROMI; AZEVEDO, BIANCA TAINA; RODRIGUES WEDY, BRUNA COSTA; GUTMANIS, GUNTA; VERISSIMO, CECILIA JOSE; KATIKI, LUCIANA MORITA; VERCESI FILHO, ANIBAL EUGENIO; DE OLIVEIRA, HENRIQUE NUNES; DE SENA OLIVEIRA, MARCIA CRISTINA. Semi-quantitative evaluation of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina infection levels estimated by HRM analysis. TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES, v. 12, n. 5, SEP 2021. (19/22675-6, 16/07216-7, 18/19452-2)