Identification of candidate mimicry proteins involved in parasite-driven phenotypic changes

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Endoparasites with complex life cycles face challenges in occupying diverse ecological niches.
• Host phenotypic changes that enhance parasite transmission are known, but their proximate causes are often unclear.
• This study investigates molecular mimicry as a mechanism for parasite-induced host phenotype modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify candidate mimicry proteins produced by the cestode Schistocephalus solidus.
• To explore the potential of these proteins to modulate host phenotypes in the threespine stickleback.
• To understand the molecular basis of host-parasite interactions.

Main Methods:

• RNA-sequencing was used to assemble the Schistocephalus solidus proteome.
• Two analysis pipelines were developed to classify protein similarity and identify host-parasite mimicry candidates.
• Candidate proteins were validated for expression in different cestode developmental stages using RT-PCR.

Main Results:

• Ninety-four tapeworm proteins exhibited high sequence homology with threespine stickleback proteins.
• Four candidate mimicry proteins, including a Wnt family member, were identified.
• These candidates are secreted or membrane proteins potentially involved in modulating host physiology and behavior.
• All four candidates were confirmed to be expressed during the cestode's parasitic stages.

Conclusions:

• Candidate mimicry peptides from Schistocephalus solidus showing sequence similarity to host proteins were identified.
• These proteins are expressed during the parasitic stage associated with altered host behavior.
• Further research is required to confirm the mechanistic role of these candidate proteins in host-parasite molecular cross-talk.