Proteomic survey of the cestode Mesocestoides corti during the first 24 hours of strobilar development

Despite the fact that cestodes represent major etiological agents of both human and domestic animal diseases, little is known about the molecular aspects of cestode development. In this work, Mesocestoides corti, a model cestode species, was studied from the early development of its larval form (tetrathyridium) into adult worms (strobilation) using different proteomic approaches. The protein profiles of M. corti tetrathyridia induced or not induced to undergo strobilation were compared. Proteomic mapping by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed the resolution of 248 and 154 spots from tetrathyridia that were subjected or not subjected to strobilation induction, respectively, allowing for the detection of at least nine spots exclusive to each group. Spot analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) or MALDI-TOF MS/MS identified four reference proteins (six spots). LC-MS/MS analyses of protein extracts identified 66 proteins, eight of which were found exclusively in non-induced tetrathyridia, while 13 were found exclusively in strobilation-induced tetrathyridia. Among the proteins exclusively identified in strobilation-induced worms, there was a predominance of proteins with functions relating to chaperone activity and protein synthesis and turnover. Quantitative differential expression analysis between M. corti tetrathyridia prior to and after strobilation induction revealed six proteins upregulated in strobilation-induced worms; these proteins were involved in metabolic pathways, cell proliferation, and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Overall, despite the absence of a sequenced M. corti genome, using sequences from other platyhelminthes, we were able to establish comprehensive protein profiles for tetrathyridia prior to and after strobilation induction and identify several proteins potentially involved in the early events leading to strobilation.