A molecular biology approach to identify Francisella tularensis proteins that interact with Band 3 of human erythrocytes.

• DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v97i2.1112
• Publication Date: 2025-04-08T15:27:11Z
• Authors: Rori Schreiber; Luke D'Cunha; Joseph Horzempa
• Keywords: Francisella

Francisella tularensis is a pathogenic gram-negative bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease Tularemia. In addition, F. classified as Class A Bioterrorism agent by CDC due to ease of aerosolization and ability this cause fatal infection in low doses. Previous studies suggest invasion mammalian erythrocytes increases colonization ticks, an arthropod vector pathogen. Our laboratory previously found erythrocyte membrane glycoprotein, Band 3 required for red blood cells. Therefore, we predict bacterial proteins interact with facilitate invasion. To identify these proteins, have expressed cytoplasmic domain LVS. Subsequent pull-down assays using recombinant bait revealed four potential interacting 10, 15, 30, 60 kD. peptide mass fingerprint analysis will be used proteins. Further validate whether if they are