Identification of putative proteins involved in granule biogenesis of ticksalivary glands

Ticks secrete bioactive components during feeding that assist them in gaini ng a blood meal. Compounds secreted are stored in granules until a stimulus induces secretion during feeding. Biogenesis of tick secretory granules ha s not been investigated before. An adequate understanding of granule biogen esis could advance our understanding of tick salivary gland biology and cou ld aid in the rational design of tick control methods. Putative tick saliva ry gland proteins 1-4 (TSGP1-4) involved in granule biogenesis were identif ied in this study based on their abundance in salivary gland extracts and g ranule preparations and their ability to aggregate under conditions of slig ht acidity and high calcium concentration. TSGP2 and TSGP3 have been identi fied as previously described toxic and nontoxic homologues, respectively, w hile toxicity was also associated with TSGP4.