 The study examined the gene expression of Borrelia burgdorferi, Bb, bacterium inside nymphalixid scapularis ticks during a blood meal. The researchers used an experimental approach to enrich Bb cells and longitudinally defined their global transcriptomic landscape. They identified 192 Bb genes that changed expression over the course of the blood meal from one day to four days after host attachment. Most of the upregulated genes encoded proteins found at the cell envelope or proteins of unknown function including 45 outer surface lipoproteins embedded in the unusual protein rich coat of Bb. Using mass spectrometry, they identified candidate tick proteins that physically associated with Bb. This study provides a resource to facilitate investigations into key determinants of Bb priming and transmission during the tick stage of its unique transmission cycle. This article was authored by an El Sopiro, Beth M. Hayes, Regan F. Vogue, and others.