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Cercarial Transformation and in vitro Cultivation of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomules
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Published on: August 16, 2011

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Sensory Protein Kinase Signaling in Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae: Host Location and Invasion

Margarida Ressurreição1, Ruth S Kirk1, David Rollinson2

  • 1Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|September 25, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Schistosoma mansoni cercariae use specific signaling pathways, including protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), for host finding and invasion. These pathways are crucial for gland release during host penetration.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Schistosoma mansoni cercariae are the infective larval stage responsible for human schistosomiasis.
  • Cercarial behavior, including host-seeking and invasion, is mediated by responses to environmental stimuli.
  • Understanding these signaling pathways is key to developing novel intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of specific signaling pathways in Schistosoma mansoni cercarial host-finding and invasion.
  • To determine how abiotic factors (light, temperature) and biotic factors (linoleic acid) influence these pathways.
  • To elucidate the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in cercarial penetration.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of cercariae to different light and temperature conditions (24 °C vs. 37 °C, intense light/dark vs. normal light).
  • Measurement of PKC, ERK, and p38 MAPK activities in response to stimuli.
  • Localization of kinase activities within cercarial structures using immunofluorescence.
  • Assessment of acetabular gland component release upon modulation of kinase activities, particularly in response to linoleic acid.

Main Results:

  • Distinct modulation of PKC, ERK, and p38 MAPK activities observed at 37 °C and intense light/dark conditions compared to 24 °C.
  • Kinase activities were localized to key sensory and secretory structures, including oral papillae, acetabular ducts, tegument, glands, and nervous system.
  • Linoleic acid modulated PKC and ERK, correlating with acetabular gland component release.
  • Inhibition of PKC, ERK, and p38 MAPK significantly reduced gland component release, especially when stimulated by linoleic acid.

Conclusions:

  • PKC, ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways are critical for Schistosoma mansoni cercarial host invasion.
  • These pathways regulate the release of essential acetabular gland components necessary for host skin penetration.
  • Environmental stimuli significantly influence these signaling cascades, highlighting their importance in the parasite's life cycle.
Keywords:
Schistosoma mansonicell signalingcercariaeextracellular signal-regulated kinaselightlinoleic acidp38 mitogen-activated protein kinaseprotein kinase Cschistosomiasistemperature

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