Facing disease challenges through novel approaches in molecular biology, epidemiology and cell biochemistry

Casey, Miriam (2011) Facing disease challenges through novel approaches in molecular biology, epidemiology and cell biochemistry. MSc(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

1. Haemonchus contortus, a parasitic nematode of small ruminants presents significant problems to the international farming industry which are confounded by multi-anthelminthic resistance. Better understanding of this parasite and its developmental requirements are a priority for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Parasite specific microRNAs (small non-coding RNAs which regulate gene expression) are potential future anthelminthic targets. However, little is known about microRNAs regulatory systems in parasitic nematodes. Here, we aimed to examine whether H. contortus expressed lin-41, a mRNA target for let-7 microRNA. H. contortus lin-41 (Hc-lin-41) was amplified and sequenced, as was its 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). Six potential let-7 binding sites were identified bioinformatically in the 3′ UTR of Hc-lin-41. It can be concluded from this that the regulation of lin-41 mRNA by let-7 microRNA is a valid avenue for further research in H. contortus.

• Item Type: Thesis (MSc(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Supervisor's Name: McLaughlin, Dr. Mark, Britton, Dr. Colette, Boden, Dr. Lisa and Devaney, Prof. Eileen
• Date of Award: 2011
• Depositing User: Mrs Marie Cairney
• Unique ID: glathesis:2011-3186
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 10 Feb 2012
• Last Modified: 11 Feb 2015 08:16
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/3186