We hypothesize that zebrafish TLR signaling is mechanistically divergent from mammals, and predict that understanding these differences will lead to the discovery of novel TLR pathways in higher vertebrates. A critical focus of this investigation involves the immune system itself, specifically ways in which its function can be augmented, extended, and prolonged. These studies will establish the origins of the mammalian TLR pathways and ultimately provide a direction for development of new targets of investigation and new therapies for human health. In this proposal, we intend to fulfill the following SPECIFIC AIMS: 1. Discover novel zebrafish TLR signaling pathway components a. Identify the zebrafish TLR receptors that recognize viral ligands b. Identify novel interactors of the zebrafish TLR pathways via a yeast two-hybrid screen c. Determine if the interactions identified in the zebrafish also occur in the human TLR pathways These experiments will reveal new components of the zebrafish TLR pathways and will provide new targets for investigation in both human and zebrafish studies. Furthermore, the critical domains for protein-protein interaction of zebrafish TLR proteins will be elucidated. 2. Determine the role of the zebrafish antiviral pathway components in protecting the host from infection in vivo It is essential to demonstrate the link between TLR pathways and resistance to disease. In an in vivo approach, zebrafish insertional mutations and morpholino oligonucleotides (MO) will be used to knockdown the expression of the TLR pathway proteins. The loss-of-function mutants or morphants (morpholino-injected zebrafish) will then be exposed to pathogens and examined to determine how alterations in innate immune function affect resistance to pathogen challenge.

Public Health Relevance

Infectious diseases continue to play a major role in the human condition worldwide and as a result vaccines, antibiotics, and intervention strategies are continually being developed. These methods have largely proven effective;however, due to microbial adaptation and environment- triggered emergence of new diseases, it is critical to investigate alternative methods for controlling infectious diseases. A critical focus of this investigation involves the immune system itself, specifically ways in which its function can be augmented, extended, and prolonged.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM087308-05
Application #
8274765
Study Section
Innate Immunity and Inflammation Study Section (III)
Program Officer
Dunsmore, Sarah
Project Start
2008-08-01
Project End
2014-05-31
Budget Start
2012-06-01
Budget End
2014-05-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$274,918
Indirect Cost
$88,699
Name
University of Maine Orono
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
186875787
City
Orono
State
ME
Country
United States
Zip Code
04469
Sullivan, Con; Lage, Christopher R; Yoder, Jeffrey A et al. (2017) Evolutionary divergence of the vertebrate TNFAIP8 gene family: Applying the spotted gar orthology bridge to understand ohnolog loss in teleosts. PLoS One 12:e0179517
Gabor, K A; Charette, J R; Pietraszewski, M J et al. (2015) A DN-mda5 transgenic zebrafish model demonstrates that Mda5 plays an important role in snakehead rhabdovirus resistance. Dev Comp Immunol 51:298-304
Gabor, Kristin A; Kim, Dahan; Kim, Carol H et al. (2015) Nanoscale imaging of caveolin-1 membrane domains in vivo. PLoS One 10:e0117225
Kortum, Amanda N; Rodriguez-Nunez, Ivan; Yang, Jibing et al. (2014) Differential expression and ligand binding indicate alternative functions for zebrafish polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) and a family of pIgR-like (PIGRL) proteins. Immunogenetics 66:267-79
Goody, Michelle F; Sullivan, Con; Kim, Carol H (2014) Studying the immune response to human viral infections using zebrafish. Dev Comp Immunol 46:84-95
Gabor, Kristin A; Goody, Michelle F; Mowel, Walter K et al. (2014) Influenza A virus infection in zebrafish recapitulates mammalian infection and sensitivity to anti-influenza drug treatment. Dis Model Mech 7:1227-37
Gabor, Kristin A; Stevens, Chad R; Pietraszewski, Matthew J et al. (2013) Super resolution microscopy reveals that caveolin-1 is required for spatial organization of CRFB1 and subsequent antiviral signaling in zebrafish. PLoS One 8:e68759
Gudheti, Manasa V; Curthoys, Nikki M; Gould, Travis J et al. (2013) Actin mediates the nanoscale membrane organization of the clustered membrane protein influenza hemagglutinin. Biophys J 104:2182-92
Goody, Michelle F; Peterman, Eric; Sullivan, Con et al. (2013) Quantification of the respiratory burst response as an indicator of innate immune health in zebrafish. J Vis Exp :
Milligan-Myhre, Kathryn; Charette, Jeremy R; Phennicie, Ryan T et al. (2011) Study of host-microbe interactions in zebrafish. Methods Cell Biol 105:87-116

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