RT Journal Article T1 Proteome expression changes among virulent and attenuated Neospora caninum isolates A1 Regidor-Cerrillo, Javier A1 Álvarez García, Gema A1 Pastor Fernández, Iván A1 Marugán Hernández, Virginia A1 Gómez Bautista, Mercedes A1 Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel AB Neospora caninum is a cyst-forming parasite that has been recognised worldwide as a cause of cattle abortion and neuromuscular disease in dogs. Variations in genetic profiles, behaviour in vitro, and pathogenicity have been established among N. caninum isolates. However, it is unclear which parasite factors are implicated in this intra-specific diversity. Comparative analysis of protein expression patterns may define the determinants of biological diversity in N. caninum. Using DIGE and MALDI-TOF MS techniques, we quantified and identified differentially expressed proteins in the tachyzoite stage across three N. caninum isolates: the virulent Nc-Liv and Nc-Spain 7 isolates, and the attenuated Nc-Spain 1H isolate. Comparison between Nc-Spain 7 and Nc-Spain 1H extracts revealed 39 protein spots that were more abundant in Nc-Spain 7 and 21 in Nc-Spain 1H. Twenty-four spots were also increased in Nc-Spain 7 and 12 in Nc-Liv. Three protein spots were more abundant in the Nc-Liv extracts than in the Nc-Spain 1H extracts. MS analysis identified 11 proteins differentially expressed that are potentially involved in gliding motility and the lytic cycle of the parasite, and oxidative stress. These differences could help to explain variations in behaviour between isolates and provide a better knowledge of mechanisms associated with virulence. PB Elsevier SN 1874-3919 YR 2012 FD 2012-04-18 LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/87968 UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/87968 LA eng NO Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (AGL2007–60132/GAN and AGL2010-22191/GAN) NO Spanish Ministry of Education (AP2009-0354) DS Docta Complutense RD 21 abr 2025