scholarly journals Genome-Wide Identification of CircRNAs of Infective Larvae and Adult Worms of Parasitic Nematode, Haemonchus contortus

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caixian Zhou ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Simin Wu ◽  
Zhiheng Wang ◽  
Waresi Tuersong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Parasitic Nematode ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Third Stage

CircRNAs, a novel class of ncRNA family, are endogenous transcriptional products involved in various biological and physiological processes in plants and animals. However, almost no information is available for circRNAs of parasitic helminths. In the present study, the circRNAs repertoire was comprehensively explored in Haemonchus contortus, a blood-sucking parasitic nematode of ruminants. In total, 20073 circRNAs were identified and annotated from three key developmental stages/genders of H. contortus including the free-living infective third-stage larvae (L3, 18883), parasitic adult female (Af, 3491), and male worms (Am, 2550) via deep-sequencing technology and bioinformatic analysis. Among these identified circRNAs, 71% were derived from exonic regions of protein-coding genes. The number of circRNAs transcribed from the X chromosome (4704) was higher than that from Chromosome I-V (3143, 3273, 3041, 3030, 2882). The amount of highly expressed circRNAs in third-stage larvae was significantly more abundant than that in adult stage. 15948 and 16847 circRNAs were differentially expressed between Af and L3s and between Am and L3, respectively. Among them, 13409 circRNAs existed in both comparisons. Furthermore, 1119 circRNAs were differentially expressed between Af_and_Am. GO enrichment analysis indicated that source genes of circRNAs differentially expressed between Am and L3 as well as between Af and L3 were significantly enriched in many biological processes, primarily including signaling, signal transduction and cell communication terms. KEGG analysis revealed that parental genes of differentially expressed circRNAs were mainly related to metabolism (pyruvate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and carbon metabolism), MAPK signaling pathway, and phosphatidylinositol signaling system. Moreover, many circRNAs contained one or more miRNA potential binding sites, suggesting that they could regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Furthermore, the correctness of head-to-tail back splicing site and alternative circularization events were verified by Sanger sequencing using both divergent and convergent primers. Finally, the reliability of RNA-Seq data and the resistance of circRNAs to RNase R digestion were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Taken together, our findings provide a foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in H. contortus, which will advance the understanding of circRNAs in parasitic nematodes.

A novel member of the ligand-gated chloride channel gene family from Haemonchus contortus

Parasitology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 135 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. G. FORRESTER ◽  
S. Z. SIDDIQUI
Keyword(s):  
Gene Family ◽  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Chloride Channels ◽  
Parasitic Nematode ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Terminal Ligand ◽  
Isolation And Characterization ◽  
Early Developmental

SUMMARYLigand-gated chloride channels (LGCCs) are key components of the nervous system of parasitic nematodes and important targets for anthelmintics. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel member of the LGCC gene family (HcLGCC1) from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. Sequence analysis revealed that the channel subunit encoded by HcLGCC1 is anion selective and a member of a group of channels characterized as having two Cys-loops in the N-terminal ligand-binding domain†. Although the overall function of HcLGCC1 is presently unknown, the gene may play a key role in the early developmental stages of the parasite. Further investigations into the function of LGCCs, such as HcLGCC1, in parasitic nematodes should have implications for the discovery of new anthelmintic targets.

scholarly journals A DAF-3 co-Smad molecule functions in Haemonchus contortus development

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenda Di ◽  
Lu Liu ◽  
Ting Zhang ◽  
Fangfang Li ◽  
Li He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Evolutionary Patterns ◽  
Smad Proteins ◽  
Third Stage ◽  
Dauer Formation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Reproductive Processes

Abstract Background The Smad proteins function in TGF-β signalling transduction. In the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the co-Smad, DAF-3 mediates R-Smads and performs a central role in DAF-7 signal transduction, regulating dauer formation and reproductive processes. Considering the divergent evolutionary patterns of the DAF-7 signalling pathway in parasitic nematodes, it is meaningful to explore the structure and function of DAF-3 in parasitic nematodes, such as Haemonchus contortus. Methods A daf-3 gene (Hc-daf-3) and its predicted product (Hc-DAF-3) were identified from H. contortus and characterised using integrated genomic and genetic approaches. In addition to immunohistochemistry employed to localise Hc-DAF-3 within adult worm sections, real-time PCR was conducted to assess the transcriptional profiles in different developmental stages of H. contortus and RNA interference (RNAi) was performed in vitro to assess the functional importance of Hc-daf-3 in the development of H. contortus. Results Hc-DAF-3 sequences predicted from Hc-daf-3 displayed typical features of the co-Smad subfamily. The native Hc-DAF-3 was localised to the gonad and cuticle of adult parasites. In addition, Hc-daf-3 was transcribed in all developmental stages studied, with a higher level in the third-stage larvae (L3) and adult females. Moreover, silencing Hc-daf-3 by RNAi retarded L4 development. Conclusion The findings of the present study demonstrated an important role of Hc-DAF-3 in the development of H. contortus larvae.

Transcriptional identification of differentially expressed genes during the prepupal–pupal transition in the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Peirong Li ◽  
Xinru Li ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Xiaoling Tan ◽  
Xiaoqi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Kegg Pathway ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Mythimna Separata ◽  
Kegg Pathway Analysis ◽  
Oriental Armyworm ◽  
Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Abstract The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) is a serious pest of agriculture that does particular damage to Gramineae crops in Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Metamorphosis is a key developmental stage in insects, although the genes underlying the metamorphic transition in M. separata remain largely unknown. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of five stages; mature larvae (ML), wandering (W), and pupation (1, 5, and 10 days after pupation, designated P1, P5, and P10) to identify transition-associated genes. Four libraries were generated, with 22,884, 23,534, 26,643, and 33,238 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for the ML-vs-W, W-vs-P1, P1-vs-P5, and P5-vs-P10, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that genes regulating the biosynthesis of the membrane and integral components of the membrane, which includes the cuticular protein (CP), 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), and juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis, were enriched. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that DEGs were enriched in the metabolic pathways. Of these DEGs, thirty CP, seventeen 20E, and seven JH genes were differentially expressed across the developmental stages. For transcriptome validation, ten CP, 20E, and JH-related genes were selected and verified by real-time PCR quantitative. Collectively, our results provided a basis for further studies of the molecular mechanism of metamorphosis in M. separata.

scholarly journals Susceptible trichostrongyloid species mask presence of benzimidazole-resistant Haemonchus contortus in cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid M. Mohammedsalih ◽  
Jürgen Krücken ◽  
Ahmed Bashar ◽  
Fathel-Rahman Juma ◽  
Abdalhakaim A. H. Abdalmalaik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Nematode Species ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Tubulin Genes ◽  
Faecal Egg Count ◽  
Third Stage ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Β Tubulin

Abstract Background Benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics are widely used to control infections with parasitic nematodes, but BZ resistance is an emerging threat among several nematode species infecting humans and animals. In Sudan, BZ-resistant Haemonchus contortus populations were recently reported in goats in South Darfur State. The objective of this study was to collect data regarding the situation of BZ resistance in cattle parasitic nematodes in South Darfur using phenotypic and molecular approaches, besides providing some epidemiological data on nematodes in cattle. Methods The faecal egg count reduction test and the egg hatch test (EHT) were used to evaluate benzimidazole efficacy in cattle nematodes in five South Darfur study areas: Beleil, Kass, Nyala, Rehed Al-Birdi and Tulus. Genomic DNA was extracted from pools of third-stage larvae (L3) (n = 40) during trials, before and after treatment, and pools of adult male Haemonchus spp. (n = 18) from abattoirs. The polymorphisms F167Y, E198A and F200Y in isotype 1 β-tubulin genes of H. contortus and H. placei were analysed using Sanger and pyrosequencing. Results Prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths in cattle was 71% (313/443). Reduced albendazole faecal egg count reduction efficacy was detected in three study areas: Nyala (93.7%), Rehed Al-Birdi (89.7%) and Tulus (88.2%). In the EHT, EC50 values of these study areas ranged between 0.032 and 0.037 µg/ml thiabendazole. Genus-specific PCRs detected the genera Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Cooperia in L3 samples collected after albendazole treatment. Sanger sequencing followed by pyrosequencing assays did not detect elevated frequencies of known BZ resistance-associated alleles in codon F167Y, E198A and F200Y in isotype 1 β-tubulin gene of H. placei (≤ 11.38%). However, polymorphisms were detected in H. contortus and in samples with mixed infections with H. contortus and H. placei at codon 198, including E198L (16/58), E198V (2/58) and potentially E198Stop (1/58). All pooled L3 samples post-albendazole treatment (n = 13) were identified as H. contortus with an E198L substitution at codon 198. Conclusions To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first report of reduced albendazole efficacy in cattle in Sudan and is the first study describing an E198L substitution in phenotypically BZ-resistant nematodes collected from cattle.

scholarly journals A novel BR-SMAD is required for larval development in barber’s pole worm Haemonchus contortus

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
Fangfang Li ◽  
Peixi Qin ◽  
Lisha Ye ◽  
Nishith Gupta ◽  
Min Hu
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Smad Proteins ◽  
Family Protein ◽  
Parasitic Worms

SMAD proteins mediate TGF-β signaling and thereby regulate the metazoan development; however, they are poorly defined in Haemonchus contortus–a common blood-sucking parasitic nematode of small ruminants. Here, we characterized an R-SMAD family protein in H. contortus termed HcSMA2, which is closely related to Caenorhabditis elegans SMA2 (CeSMA2) involved in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Hcsma2 is transcribed in all developmental stages of H. contortus but highly induced in the adult male worms. The RNA interference with Hcsma2 retarded the transition of infective L3 into L4 larvae. Besides, the bimolecular fluorescence complementation revealed the interaction of HcSMA2 with a TGF-β-activated-R-SMAD (HcDAF8). Together these results show a BMP-like receptor-regulated SMAD in H. contortus that is required for larval differentiation and underscore an adaptive functional repurposing of BMP-signaling in parasitic worms.

scholarly journals Natural Compounds from the Marine Brown Alga Caulocystis cephalornithos with Potent In Vitro-Activity against the Parasitic Nematode Haemonchus contortus

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 550
Author(s):  
Aya C. Taki ◽  
Robert Brkljača ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
Anson V. Koehler ◽  
Guangxu Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Brown Alga ◽  
Parasitic Nematode ◽  
Anthelmintic Activity ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Terrestrial Plants ◽  
Third Stage ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Marine Brown Alga

Eight secondary metabolites (1 to 8) were isolated from a marine sponge, a marine alga and three terrestrial plants collected in Australia and subsequently chemically characterised. Here, these natural product-derived compounds were screened for in vitro-anthelmintic activity against the larvae and adult stages of Haemonchus contortus (barber’s pole worm)—a highly pathogenic parasitic nematode of ruminants. Using an optimised, whole-organism screening system, compounds were tested on exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3s) and fourth-stage larvae (L4s). Anthelmintic activity was initially evaluated on these stages based on the inhibition of motility, development and/or changes in morphology (phenotype). We identified two compounds, 6-undecylsalicylic acid (3) and 6-tridecylsalicylic acid (4) isolated from the marine brown alga, Caulocystis cephalornithos, with inhibitory effects on xL3 and L4 motility and larval development, and the induction of a “skinny-straight” phenotype. Subsequent testing showed that these two compounds had an acute nematocidal effect (within 1–12 h) on adult males and females of H. contortus. Ultrastructural analysis of adult worms treated with compound 4 revealed significant damage to subcuticular musculature and associated tissues and cellular organelles including mitochondria. In conclusion, the present study has discovered two algal compounds possessing acute anthelmintic effects and with potential for hit-to-lead progression. Future work should focus on undertaking a structure-activity relationship study and on elucidating the mode(s) of action of optimised compounds.

scholarly journals Transcriptome and Gene Expression Analysis of Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae) During Different Development Stages

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Ma ◽  
Rongyan Wang ◽  
Xiuhua Li ◽  
Bo Gao ◽  
Shulong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Sweet Potato ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Cylas Formicarius ◽  
Important Pest

Abstract The sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (F.) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), is an important pest of sweet potato worldwide. However, there is limited knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying growth and differentiation of C. formicarius. The transcriptomes of the eggs, second instar larvae, third instar larvae (L3), pupae, females, and males of C. formicarius were sequenced using Illumina sequencing technology for obtaining global insights into developing transcriptome characteristics and elucidating the relative functional genes. A total of 54,255,544 high-quality reads were produced, trimmed, and de novo assembled into 115,281 contigs. 61,686 unigenes were obtained, with an average length of 1,009 nt. Among these unigenes, 17,348 were annotated into 59 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and 12,660 were assigned to 25 Cluster of Orthologous Groups classes, whereas 24,796 unigenes were mapped to 258 pathways. Differentially expressed unigenes between various developmental stages of C. formicarius were detected. Higher numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were recorded in the eggs versus L3 and eggs versus male samples (2,141 and 2,058 unigenes, respectively) than the others. Genes preferentially expressed in each stage were also identified. GO and pathway-based enrichment analysis were used to further investigate the functions of the DEGs. In addition, the expression profiles of ten DEGs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. The transcriptome profiles presented in this study and these DEGs detected by comparative analysis of different developed stages of C. formicarius will facilitate the understanding of the molecular mechanism of various living process and will contribute to further genome-wide research.

scholarly journals Complementary Approaches to Understand Anthelmintic Resistance Using Free-Living and Parasitic Nematodes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janneke Wit ◽  
Clayton Dilks ◽  
Erik Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Parasitic Nematode ◽  
Anthelmintic Resistance ◽  
Nematode Species ◽  
The Other ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Mechanisms Of Resistance ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Sustained Efficacy ◽  
Modes Of Action

Anthelmintic drugs are the major line of defense against parasitic nematode infections, but the arsenal is limited and resistance threatens sustained efficacy of the available drugs. Discoveries of the modes of action of these drugs and mechanisms of resistance have predominantly come from studies of a related non-parasitic nematode species, Caenorhabditis elegans, and the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. Here, we discuss how our understanding of anthelmintic resistance and modes of action came from the interplay of results from each of these species. We argue that this “cycle of discovery”, where results from one species inform the design of experiments in the other, can use the complementary strengths of both to understand anthelmintic modes of action and mechanisms of resistance.

scholarly journals Sertraline as a new potential anthelmintic against Haemonchus contortus: toxicity, efficacy, and biotransformation

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Markéta Zajíčková ◽  
Lukáš Prchal ◽  
Martina Navrátilová ◽  
Nikola Vodvárková ◽  
Petra Matoušková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Parasitic Nematode ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Main Metabolite ◽  
Egg Hatching ◽  
Trichuris Muris ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Potential Hepatotoxicity

AbstractHaemonchus contortus is a parasitic nematode of ruminants which causes significant losses to many farmers worldwide. Since the drugs currently in use for the treatment of haemonchosis are losing their effectiveness due to the drug-resistance of this nematode, a new or repurposed drug is highly needed. As the antipsychotic drug sertraline (SRT) has been shown to be effective against the parasitic nematodes Trichuris muris, Ancylostoma caninum and Schistosoma mansoni, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible effect of SRT on H. contortus. The potential hepatotoxicity of SRT was tested in sheep, a common H. contortus host. In addition, the main metabolic pathways of SRT in H. contortus and the ovine liver were identified. While no effect of SRT on H. contortus egg hatching was observed, SRT was found to significantly decrease the viability of H. contortus adults in drug-sensitive and resistant strains, with its effect comparable to the commonly used anthelmintics levamisole and monepantel. Moreover, SRT in anthelmintically active concentrations showed no toxicity to the ovine liver. Biotransformation of SRT in H. contortus was weak, with most of the drug remaining unmetabolized. Production of the main metabolite hydroxy-SRT did not differ significantly between strains. Other minor metabolites such as SRT-O-glucoside, dihydroxy-SRT, and SRT-ketone were also identified in H. contorts adults. Compared to H. contortus, the ovine liver metabolized SRT more extensively, mainly via desmethylation and glucuronidation. In conclusion, the potency of SRT against H. contortus was proven, and it should be tested further toward possible repurposing.

scholarly journals Identification of mRNA and Long Non-Coding RNA Expression Profiles in Developing Yorkshire Pig Spleens

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinjian Li ◽  
Xuelei Han ◽  
Caixia Sun ◽  
Gaiying Li ◽  
Kejun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Lncrna Expression ◽  
Lncrna Transcript

Abstract Background: Epidemic diseases cause great economic loss in pig farms each year, some of which are characterized mainly in spleen. Yorkshire pig is the most popular used first dam in the commercial pork production system. But the mRNA and lncRNA expression networks in developing Yorkshire pig spleens remain obscure. Results: Here, we profiled the systematic characters of mRNA and lncRNA repertoires in three groups of spleens from nine Yorkshire pigs, each three aged at 7 days, 90 days and 180 days. By using a precise mRNA and lncRNA identification pipeline, we identified 19,647 genes and 219 known and 3,219 putative lncRNA transcripts, 1,729 genes and 64 lncRNAs therein were found to express differentially in three groups. Gene expression characteristics of genes and lncRNAs were found to be basically fixed before 90 days after birth. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes and potential target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs both displayed crucial roles of up-regulation in immune activation and hematopoiesis and down-regulation in cell replication and division in 90 and 180 days compared to 7 days. The unregulated terms and their significance levels in 90 and 180 days both showed an extremely high degree of consistency. ENSSSCT00000001325 was the only lncRNA transcript that existed in three groups. CDK1, PCNA and PLK were detected to be hub genes that varied with age. BNIP3L, IL5, CD38 and TGFβ1 were found to be common top regulators from 7 to 90 and 180 days while ERAP1, NLRC5 and IL2RG were top regulators from 90 to 180 days.Conclusions: This study provided the first mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in Yorkshire spleens at three developmental stages. We established gene expression modules and networks in the spleen of pigs from immune system initiation to adulthood. Our results are helpful for the study of transcriptome and functional genomics of spleen tissue in farm animals.

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