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Transient Transduction of the Strobilated Forms of Echinococcus granulosus

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Serotonin stimulates Echinococcus multilocularis larval development.

Michaela Herz¹, Klaus Brehm²

¹Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2/E1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany. michaela.herz@uni-wuerzburg.de.

Parasites & Vectors

|January 7, 2021

Summary

Serotonin is vital for Echinococcus multilocularis development and proliferation. This study shows serotonin transporter (SERT) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) genes are expressed in the parasite

Keywords:

Cestode Nervous system Proliferation Serotonin Serotonin transporter Tryptophan hydroxylase

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Area of Science:

Parasitology
Molecular Biology
Developmental Biology

Background:

Serotonin, a conserved molecule in metazoans, regulates development and acts as a neurotransmitter.
While the serotonergic system in parasitic flatworms is studied, its role in flatworm development remains largely unknown.
This research focuses on the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, a significant human pathogen.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of serotonin on the proliferation and development of Echinococcus multilocularis.
To characterize the genes involved in serotonin transport and biosynthesis in E. multilocularis.
To elucidate the role of serotonin in parasite development and survival.

Main Methods:

Cloning of E. multilocularis serotonin transporter (SERT) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) genes.
Gene expression analysis using transcriptome analysis and whole mount in situ hybridization (WMISH).
Cell culture experiments involving long-term treatment with serotonin and paroxetine.

Main Results:

SERT and TPH genes are expressed in the parasite's nervous system.
Serotonin treatment stimulated metacestode development and parasite stem cell proliferation (EdU incorporation).
Paroxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) impaired parasite viability and caused structural damage, highlighting SERT's importance.

Conclusions:

Serotonin plays a crucial role in the development and proliferation of E. multilocularis.
SERT and TPH are expressed in the nervous system, and SERT has a vital extraneural role in parasite integrity.
Serotonin likely contributes to the formation and growth of E. multilocularis in host livers.