Host-parasite Interactions between Larvae of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera : Lymantridae) and the Entomogenous Fungus, Nomuraea rileyi (FARLOW) SAMSON (Moniliales : Moniliaceae)

Abstract Background The blood flukes of genus Schistosoma are the causative agent of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that infects more than 200 million people worldwide. Proteases of schistosomes are involved in critical steps of host–parasite interactions and are promising therapeutic targets. We recently identified and characterized a group of S1 family Schistosoma mansoni serine proteases, including SmSP1 to SmSP5. Expression levels of some SmSPs in S. mansoni are low, and by standard genome sequencing technologies they are marginally detectable at the method threshold levels. Here, we report their spatial gene expression patterns in adult S. mansoni by the high-sensitivity localization assay. Methodology Highly sensitive fluorescence in situ RNA hybridization (FISH) was modified and used for the localization of mRNAs encoding individual SmSP proteases (including low-expressed SmSPs) in tissues of adult worms. High sensitivity was obtained due to specifically prepared tissue and probes in combination with the employment of a signal amplification approach. The assay method was validated by detecting the expression patterns of a set of relevant reference genes including SmCB1, SmPOP, SmTSP-2, and Sm29 with localization formerly determined by other techniques. Results FISH analysis revealed interesting expression patterns of SmSPs distributed in multiple tissues of S. mansoni adults. The expression patterns of individual SmSPs were distinct but in part overlapping and were consistent with existing transcriptome sequencing data. The exception were genes with significantly low expression, which were also localized in tissues where they had not previously been detected by RNA sequencing methods. In general, SmSPs were found in various tissues including reproductive organs, parenchymal cells, esophagus, and the tegumental surface. Conclusions The FISH-based assay provided spatial information about the expression of five SmSPs in adult S. mansoni females and males. This highly sensitive method allowed visualization of low-abundantly expressed genes that are below the detection limits of standard in situ hybridization or by RNA sequencing. Thus, this technical approach turned out to be suitable for sensitive localization studies and may also be applicable for other trematodes. The results suggest that SmSPs may play roles in diverse processes of the parasite. Certain SmSPs expressed at the surface may be involved in host–parasite interactions. Graphic abstract

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Stimulation of cyclic AMP formation and nerve electrical activity by octopamine in the terminal abdominal ganglion of the female gypsy moth Lymantria dispar

Brain Research ◽

10.1016/j.brainres.2005.11.096 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 1071 (1) ◽

pp. 63-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Maria C. Olianas ◽

Paolo Solari ◽

Luciana Garau ◽

Anna Liscia ◽

Roberto Crnjar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cyclic Amp ◽

Electrical Activity ◽

Gypsy Moth ◽

Lymantria Dispar ◽

Abdominal Ganglion ◽

Stimulation Of

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Urogenital Schistosomiasis—History, Pathogenesis, and Bladder Cancer

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10020205 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 205

Author(s):

Lúcio Lara Santos ◽

Júlio Santos ◽

Maria João Gouveia ◽

Carina Bernardo ◽

Carlos Lopes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Schistosoma Haematobium ◽

Historical Perspective ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Parasite Infection ◽

Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽

Host Parasite Interactions ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Recent Outbreak ◽

Host Parasite ◽

Female Genital

Schistosomiasis is the most important helminthiasis worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality. Most of the infections occurs in Africa, which about two thirds are caused by Schistosoma haematobium. The infection with S. haematobium is considered carcinogenic leading to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Additionally, it is responsible for female genital schistosomiasis leading to infertility and higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Remarkably, a recent outbreak in Corsica (France) drew attention to its potential re-mergence in Southern Europe. Thus far, little is known related to host-parasite interactions that trigger carcinogenesis. However, recent studies have opened new avenues to understand mechanisms on how the parasite infection can lead cancer and other associated pathologies. Here, we present a historical perspective of schistosomiasis, and review the infection-associated pathologies and studies on host–parasite interactions that unveil tentative mechanisms underlying schistosomiasis-associated carcinogenesis.

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