Objective:
Develop genomic tools for the initiation of a Boophilus microplus genome project, and assemblage of an international team to seek additional funding for a joint genomic project; develop techniques of gene silencing to allow for evaluation of the biological function and significance of identified genes; and develop a proteome database, that is gender and stage specific, from which the biological significance of identified proteins can be evaluated.

Approach:
Basic information on the structure of the B. microplus genome will be obtained from information derived from a normalized cDNA library approach and the creation of a BAC library. Gene silencing through use of RNA interference will be used to reduce expression of targeted genes, and assist in the elucidation of their metabolic, biochemical, or structural roles. By focusing on the components of the tick proteome associated with events associated with tick feeding and the facilitation of pathogen transmission, proteins involved in tick feeding and life-stage related differences in protein expression will be identified and related to function.