Scientific Educational

Scientific Educational performs sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies of the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX-1) mitochondrial gene in Sarcoptes scabiei.

Key Features:

• Gene Sequencing: Performs PCR amplification targeting the COX-1 gene using primers based on GenBank isolate EU256389.1 with forward 5'-TCTTAGGGGCTGGATTTAGTATG-3' and reverse 5'-AGTTCCTCTACCAGTTCCAC-3'.
• DNA Extraction: Uses the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit for extraction of mitochondrial DNA from mite samples.
• Sequence Alignment: Aligns and verifies sequences with Clone Manager Professional Version 9, including inversion and comparison of reverse-primer-derived sequences to forward-primer-derived sequences.
• Phylogenetic Analysis: Constructs phylogenetic trees using the Neighbor-Joining method implemented in MEGA6.
• Homology Assessment: Compares COX-1 sequences against GenBank entries, reporting approximately 99% identity between Lamongan goat and Mojokerto rabbit isolates and database sequences.

Scientific Applications:

• Genetic diversity and evolution: Analyzes COX-1 sequence variation to assess genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among Sarcoptes scabiei isolates.
• Host-parasite interaction and epidemiology: Investigates host-associated variation and the epidemiology of scabies across Lamongan goats, Mojokerto rabbits, and other hosts.
• Control and ecological studies: Provides sequence-based evidence to inform control strategies and broader ecological and evolutionary research.

Methodology:

Sequences are aligned and verified with Clone Manager Professional Version 9 (including inversion/comparison of reverse and forward reads), phylogenetic trees are constructed using the Neighbor-Joining method in MEGA6, and COX-1 sequences are compared to GenBank for homology assessment.