Amplification of TIM-1 gene of zika virus entry receptor

In 2014, the incidence of Zika virus infection increased tremendously in French Polynesia and Brazil. The cases of microcephaly in newborn child are related to Zika virus infection. It is crucial to understand the mechanism of entry of Zika virus through a receptor. There are few receptors that have been reported to be responsible in allowing the entry of Zika virus. One of it is TIM- I gene. The purpose of this study is to amplify the homology arms of TIM-I gene of Zika virus entry receptor. The homology arms produced can be used by future researchers to further study the gene knockout for TIM­ I. By generating knockout of TIM-I receptor, it can help to further understand the mechanism of entry of Zika virus and it may also lead to the discovery of anti-viral drugs and vaccines for Zika virus. In order to design specific primers, we used ENSEMBL software, Repeat Masker software and Primer Blast sofware. We amplified the homology arms by using Polymerase Chain Reaction. The amplicon size is 1000 base pair. We used 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis to analyze the product. Based on the result, we successfully amplified the homology arms of TIM-I gene. The products can be used for gene knockout study and can give better understanding on the mechanism of entry of Zika virus.