scholarly journals Secretion of an Argonaute protein by a parasitic nematode and the evolution of its siRNA guides

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
FWN Chow ◽  
G Koutsovoulos ◽  
C Ovando-Vázquez ◽  
K Neophytou ◽  
JR Bermúdez-Barrientos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Argonaute Protein ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Rna Sequences ◽  
Extracellular Rna ◽  
Host Environment ◽  
Multiple Copies ◽  
Heligmosomoides Bakeri

AbstractExtracellular RNA has been proposed to mediate communication between cells and organisms however relatively little is understood regarding how specific sequences are selected for export. Here we describe a specific Argonaute protein (exWAGO) that is secreted in extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides bakeri, at multiple copies per EV. Phylogenetic and gene expression analyses demonstrate exWAGO orthologues are highly conserved and abundantly expressed in related parasites but highly diverged in free-living genus Caenorhabditis. We show that the most abundant small RNAs released from the nematode parasite are not microRNAs as previously thought, but rather secondary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that are produced by RNA-dependent RNA Polymerases. The siRNAs that are released in EVs have distinct evolutionary properties compared to those resident in free-living or parasitic nematodes. Immunoprecipitation of exWAGO demonstrates that it specifically associates with siRNAs from transposons and newly evolved repetitive elements that are packaged in EVs and released into the host environment. Together this work demonstrates molecular and evolutionary selectivity in the small RNA sequences that are released in EVs into the host environment and identifies a novel Argonaute protein as the mediator of this.

scholarly journals Small RNAs in parasitic nematodes – forms and functions

Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 147 (8) ◽  
pp. 855-864
Author(s):  
Collette Britton ◽  
Roz Laing ◽  
Eileen Devaney
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Small Rna ◽  
Small Rnas ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Small Rna Sequencing ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Rna Sequences ◽  
C Elegans

AbstractSmall RNAs are important regulators of gene expression. They were first identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, but it is now apparent that the main small RNA silencing pathways are functionally conserved across diverse organisms. Availability of genome data for an increasing number of parasitic nematodes has enabled bioinformatic identification of small RNA sequences. Expression of these in different lifecycle stages is revealed by small RNA sequencing and microarray analysis. In this review we describe what is known of the three main small RNA classes in parasitic nematodes – microRNAs (miRNAs), Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) – and their proposed functions. miRNAs regulate development in C. elegans and the temporal expression of parasitic nematode miRNAs suggest modulation of target gene levels as parasites develop within the host. miRNAs are also present in extracellular vesicles released by nematodes in vitro, and in plasma from infected hosts, suggesting potential regulation of host gene expression. Roles of piRNAs and siRNAs in suppressing target genes, including transposable elements, are also reviewed. Recent successes in RNAi-mediated gene silencing, and application of small RNA inhibitors and mimics will continue to advance understanding of small RNA functions within the parasite and at the host–parasite interface.

scholarly journals The astacin metalloprotease moulting enzyme NAS-36 is required for normal cuticle ecdysis in free-living and parasitic nematodes

Parasitology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
GILLIAN STEPEK ◽  
GILLIAN McCORMACK ◽  
ANDREW J. BIRNIE ◽  
ANTONY P. PAGE
Keyword(s):  
Direct Consequence ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽  
Nematode Species ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Recombinant Enzymes ◽  
Free Living ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Collagenous Matrix ◽  
Free Living Nematode ◽  
Similar Range

SUMMARYNematodes represent one of the most abundant and species-rich groups of animals on the planet, with parasitic species causing chronic, debilitating infections in both livestock and humans worldwide. The prevalence and success of the nematodes is a direct consequence of the exceptionally protective properties of their cuticle. The synthesis of this cuticle is a complex multi-step process, which is repeated 4 times from hatchling to adult and has been investigated in detail in the free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. This process is known as moulting and involves numerous enzymes in the synthesis and degradation of the collagenous matrix. The nas-36 and nas-37 genes in C. elegans encode functionally conserved enzymes of the astacin metalloprotease family which, when mutated, result in a phenotype associated with the late-stage moulting defects, namely the inability to remove the preceding cuticle. Extensive genome searches in the gastrointestinal nematode of sheep, Haemonchus contortus, and in the filarial nematode of humans, Brugia malayi, identified NAS-36 but not NAS-37 homologues†. Significantly, the nas-36 gene from B. malayi could successfully complement the moult defects associated with C. elegans nas-36, nas-37 and nas-36/nas-37 double mutants, suggesting a conserved function for NAS-36 between these diverse nematode species. This conservation between species was further indicated when the recombinant enzymes demonstrated a similar range of inhibitable metalloprotease activities.

scholarly journals The Ditylenchus destructor genome provides new insights into the evolution of plant parasitic nematodes

2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1835) ◽  
pp. 20160942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinshui Zheng ◽  
Donghai Peng ◽  
Ling Chen ◽  
Hualin Liu ◽  
Feng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Plant Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Free Living ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Free Living Nematode ◽  
Plant Nematode ◽  
Ditylenchus Destructor ◽  
Plant Parasitic

Plant-parasitic nematodes were found in 4 of the 12 clades of phylum Nematoda. These nematodes in different clades may have originated independently from their free-living fungivorous ancestors. However, the exact evolutionary process of these parasites is unclear. Here, we sequenced the genome sequence of a migratory plant nematode, Ditylenchus destructor . We performed comparative genomics among the free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans and all the plant nematodes with genome sequences available. We found that, compared with C. elegans , the core developmental control processes underwent heavy reduction, though most signal transduction pathways were conserved. We also found D. destructor contained more homologies of the key genes in the above processes than the other plant nematodes. We suggest that Ditylenchus spp. may be an intermediate evolutionary history stage from free-living nematodes that feed on fungi to obligate plant-parasitic nematodes. Based on the facts that D. destructor can feed on fungi and has a relatively short life cycle, and that it has similar features to both C. elegans and sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes from clade 12, we propose it as a new model to study the biology, biocontrol of plant nematodes and the interaction between nematodes and plants.

scholarly journals Some larval morphological characteristics of Camelostrongylus mentulatus and Nematodirus spathiger

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-11
Author(s):  
A. Saidi ◽  
R. Mimouni ◽  
F. Hamadi ◽  
W. Oubrou
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Morphological Pattern ◽  
Wild Ruminants ◽  
Nematode Parasites ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Teladorsagia Circumcincta ◽  
Camelostrongylus Mentulatus

Monitoring of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in ruminants (domestic and wild) is often based on fecal examination techniques, looking for excreted eggs and larval forms using morphological keys. These, are more available in domestic ruminants, in which helminths are widely studied, than in wild ruminants.  This study tried to provide certain morphological elements that will help to recognize the L3 larvae of Camelostrongylus mentulatus and Nematodirus spathiger that could parasite either domestic or wild ruminants. For that, we resorted first to the culture of L3 larvae from fecal samples taken from African antelopes, and second by the microscopic characterization of each isolated larval morphological pattern previously identified by sequencing of its internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) regions of the ribosomal DNA. The results of different microscopic captured images showed that Camelostrongylus mentulatus larva is 16 intestinal cells that measuring approximately 820 µm length, ‎≈ 25 µm wide, and ‎≈ 47 µm for its sheath tail extension and by this be closer to Teladorsagia circumcincta characteristics.  For Nematodirus spathiger, it possesses 8 gut cells and measuring about 1020 µm long, ‎≈ 25 µm wide, and‎ ≈ 143 µm for its sheath tail extension with specific tail appendages. Have done this, we were able to get some clarifications on the morphology of the studied larvae, and we believe thus that this study will contribute to the establishment of morphological identification keys especially for parasitic nematodes of wild ruminants.

scholarly journals In Vitro Efficacy of Aqueous and Methanol Extract of Cassia siamea Against the Motility of Caenorhabditis elegans

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-159
Author(s):  
Haladu Ali Gagman ◽  
Nik Ahmad Irwan Izzauddin Nik Him ◽  
Hamdan Ahmad ◽  
Shaida Fariza Sulaiman ◽  
Rahmad Zakaria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Methanol Extract ◽  
Anthelmintic Resistance ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Cassia Siamea ◽  
Methanol Extracts ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Significant Difference

Gastrointestinal nematode infections can cause great losses in revenue due to decrease livestock production and animal death. The use of anthelmintic to control gastrointestinal nematode put a selection pressure on nematode populations which led to emergence of anthelmintic resistance. Because of that, this study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of aqueous and methanol extract of Cassia siamea against the motility of C. elegans Bristol N2 and C. elegans DA1316. Caenorhabditis elegans Bristol N2 is a susceptible strain and C. elegans DA1316 is an ivermectin resistant strain. In vitro bioassay of various concentrations of (0.2, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 2.0 mg mL–1) aqueous and methanol extracts of C. siamea was conducted against the motility of L4 larvae of C. elegans Bristol N2 and C. elegans DA1316. The L4 larvae were treated with 0.02 μg mL–1 of ivermectin served as positive control while those in M9 solution served as negative control. The activity of the extracts was observed after 24 h and 48 h. A significant difference was recorded in the extract performance compared to control at (P < 0.001) after 48 h against the motility of the larvae of both strains. The methanol extracts inhibited the motility of C. elegans Bristol N2 by 86.7% as well as DA1316 up to 84.9% at 2.0 mg mL–1 after 48 h. The methanol extract was more efficient than aqueous extract (P < 0.05) against the motility of both strains of C. elegans. Cassia siamea may be used as a natural source of lead compounds for the development of alternative anthelmintic against parasitic nematodes as well ivermectin resistant strains of nematodes.

scholarly journals Heligmosomoides bakeri: a model for exploring the biology and genetics of resistance to chronic gastrointestinal nematode infections

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (12) ◽  
pp. 1565-1580 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. BEHNKE ◽  
D. M. MENGE ◽  
H. NOYES
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resistance ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽  
Chromosome 1 ◽  
Laboratory Model ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Wood Mice ◽  
Intestinal Nematode ◽  
Domestic Livestock ◽  
Breeding Programmes ◽  
Heligmosomoides Bakeri

SUMMARYThe intestinal nematodeHeligmosomoides bakerihas undergone 2 name changes during the last 4 decades. Originally, the name conferred on the organism in the early 20th century wasNematospiroides dubius, but this was dropped in favour ofHeligmosomoides polygyrus, and then more recentlyH. bakeri, to distinguish it from a closely related parasite commonly found in wood mice in Europe.H. bakeritypically causes long-lasting infections in mice and in this respect it has been an invaluable laboratory model of chronic intestinal nematode infections. Resistance toH. bakeriis a dominant trait and is controlled by genes both within and outside the MHC. More recently, a significant QTL has been identified on chromosome 1, although the identity of the underlying genes is not yet known. Other QTL for resistance traits and for the accompanying immune responses were also defined, indicating that resistance toH. bakeriis a highly polygenic phenomenon. Hence marker-assisted breeding programmes aiming to improve resistance to GI nematodes in breeds of domestic livestock will need to be highly selective, focussing on genes that confer the greatest proportion of overall genetic resistance, whilst leaving livestock well-equipped genetically to cope with other types of pathogens and preserving important production traits.

Biological attributes of Salibro™, a novel sulfonamide nematicide. Part 2: Impact on the fitness of various non-target nematodes

Nematology ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim C. Thoden ◽  
Mariam A. Alkader ◽  
John A. Wiles
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Agar Plate ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Plant Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Plant Parasitic ◽  
Novel Products

Summary Currently a renaissance in chemical nematicides is taking place with novel products like Nimitz® (a.s. fluensulfone), Velum Prime® (a.s. fluopyram) and Salibro™ (a.s. fluazaindolizine – Reklemel™ active) entering the marketplace. Although a considerable amount of published data is already available on their laboratory and field impact on plant-parasitic nematodes, little is understood of their compatibility with the beneficial or free-living nematodes that are part of the soil health network. In a range of laboratory studies, the effects of these nematicides on the vitality and reproduction of several species was tested, including both cosmopolitan free-living nematodes (Acrobeloides, Cruznema, Panagrobelus) as well as commercially applied entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema, Heterorhabditis). Within aqueous exposure and agar plate in vitro assays, species sensitivity to those nematicides differed significantly but their fitness (vitality and reproduction; infectivity to insect hosts) was generally not adversely impacted by concentrations of 5-50 ppm (a.s.) of Salibro. Even at 250 ppm (a.s.) of Salibro only some species of the bacterial-feeding species showed some negative impact. By contrast, both Nimitz at 50 ppm (a.s.) and Velum at 5 ppm (a.s.) consistently demonstrated stronger adverse impacts. In second level soil drenching assays, either no, or occasionally slight, adverse effects on the natural community of free-living nematodes were observed if soils were drenched with different volumes of Salibro at 5-50 ppm (a.s.), while relatively stronger reductions were measured within the plant-parasitic species (especially root-knot nematodes). Both Nimitz and Vydate (a.s. oxamyl) showed some degree of compatibility at 5 and 25 ppm (a.s.), respectively, which was generally higher than for Velum Prime at 5 ppm (a.s.). Overall, these data indicate that, when used at common field rates, Salibro will be one of the best options as part of integrated nematode management programmes where the use of chemical nematicides is required.

scholarly journals Composition and vertical distribution of free living and plant parasitic nematodes in hop gardens in the Czech Republic

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Čermák ◽  
V. Gaar ◽  
L. Háněl ◽  
K. Široká
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Soil Profile ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
Plant Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Free Living ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Nematode Communities ◽  
Plant Parasitic

AbstractComposition and vertical distribution of soil nematode communities within soil profile were investigated in eight hop gardens in Czech Republic. In total, the presence of 78 nematode genera was confirmed. Genus Drilocephalobus (Coomans & Coomans, 1990) is new for fauna of the Czech Republic. The highest abundance of soil nematodes was found at a depth of 0–10 cm and declined with increasing depth of soil profile. The most dominant genus was Bitylenchus, followed by genera Acrobeloides, Ditylenchus, Chiloplacus and Cervidelus. Ten genera of plant parasitic nematodes were recorded: Bitylenchus (with prevalence of B. dubius), Helicotylenchus, Heterodera (with absolute prevalence of H. humuli), Geocenamus, Longidorella, Longidorus (only L. elongatus), Merlinius (with prevalence of M. brevidens), Paratylenchus and Pratylenchus. Low population densities of predators and omnivores, low values of the community indices (MI, ΣMI, SI, and CI), and high values of NCR, EI, and PPI/MI ratio indicated disturbed nematode communities in hop gardens and bacteria-dominated decomposition pathways in the soil food web.

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