Molecular identification and expression analysis of lipocalins from blood feeding taiga tick, Ixodes persulcatus Schulze

►Lipocalins have been known for their several biological activities in blood-sucking arthropods. ►Recently, the identification and characterization of lipocalins from Ixodes ricinus have been reported and functions of lipocalins are well documented. ►Here, we report the molecular cloning of lipocalin from I. ricinus, 'LIR'-like genes from Ixodes persulcatus, herein named LIPER (lipocalin from I. persulcatus), and examined its expression profiles and effects on the female tick feeding behavior.