Lyme borreliosis is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere, but several gaps in knowledge regarding interactions between ticks and Borrelia still exist. In this project, I will examine how Borrelia infection influences gene expression in four tick species, as well as how Borrelia potentially manipulate tick behavior. I will rear and infect ticks using an artificial tick feeding system (ATFS) and I will use an ATFS-based assay to assess vector competence and transmission efficiency. To study gene expression in ticks, I will use RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The research is conducted at the University of Turku (Finland) and Murdoch University (Australia). The project will produce crucial novel data regarding tick-pathogen interactions, genetic basis of vector competence and potenial changes in tick behavior caused by infection, more precise knowledge of which may lead to, e.g., identification of modified behaviors promoting human contacts with infected ticks.

2024

2028