Tetsuya S. Tanaka

1. Introduction Ticks carry and transmit a wide range of pathogens comprising viruses, fungi, protozoans, and bacteria [1,2,3]. The genus Rickettsia is comprised of obligate Gram-negative bacteria, is distributed worldwide, and can cause rickettsiosis in hosts including domestic and wild animals, as well as humans [2,4]. Arthropod vectors such as ticks, fleas, mites, and lice may transmit Rickettsia spp.; however, the competent vectors for its propagation are mostly Ixodid ticks [5].

1. Introduction Genus Ixodes (Acari: Ixodidae: Prostriata) developed during the Mesozoic era’s cretaceous period (65–95 million years ago) [1,2]. The Ixodes genus comprises more than 265 species, which are divided based on morphology into 18 subgenera [3]. Among them, the largest subgenus Ixodes comprises 18 species and includes the most studied ticks [4].

1 Introduction Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) toward specific cell types remains a challenge and the underlying mechanisms that control cell-fate decisions are so far hardly understood. During the reprogramming of somatic cells into iPSCs and their lineage-specific differentiation, extensive epigenetic remodeling occurs.