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EFFECT OF ADENYLATE KINASE 1 ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SCHISTOSOMA JAPONICUM SCHISTOSOMULUM
Chun-Lian Tang1, Rong-Hui Zhang1, Ru Li1
1Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China.
Abstract:
We investigated the effect of Schistosoma japonicum adenylate kinase 1 (Sjak1) on the growth and development of schistosomula. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that Sjak1 mRNA was expressed in 3-, 10-, 14-, 18-, and 21-day-old schistosomula, and its levels increased gradually with the development of S. japonicum. Using immunohistochemical techniques, ak1 protein was found to be mainly distributed in the tegument and some parenchymal tissues of the schistosomula. Double-stranded RNA-mediated knockdowns of ak1 decreased ak1 mRNA transcripts by more than 90%, and western blot results showed that expression of ak1 protein was decreased by 66%. Scanning electron microscopy following the RNA-mediated ak1 knockdown showed that the sensory papillae did not develop. Transmission electron microscopy showed a lower mean thickness of the tegument in the Sjak1 interference group than in the negative control group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling suggested higher apoptosis in the interference group than the negative control group. These results showed that ak1 may be involved in the growth and development of S. japonicum schistosomula and especially in the development of the integument. Consequently, ak1 may be a potential target in developing prevention methods for schistosomiasis in the future.
Insights
Schistosoma japonicum adenylate kinase 1 (Sjak1) is crucial for schistosomula development, particularly tegument and sensory papillae formation. Inhibiting Sjak1 impairs growth and increases apoptosis, suggesting it as a potential target for schistosomiasis control.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Schistosomiasis remains a significant global health concern, caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing parasite development is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Schistosoma japonicum adenylate kinase 1 (Sjak1) in the growth and development of schistosomula.
- To assess Sjak1 as a potential therapeutic target for schistosomiasis.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR to analyze Sjak1 mRNA expression.
- Immunohistochemistry to determine Sjak1 protein localization.
- RNA-mediated knockdown of Sjak1 to assess its functional impact.
- Scanning and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate morphological changes.
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay for apoptosis detection.
Main Results:
- Sjak1 mRNA and protein are expressed in developing S. japonicum schistosomula, with expression levels increasing over time.
- RNA-mediated knockdown of Sjak1 significantly reduced its mRNA and protein levels.
- Knockdown of Sjak1 resulted in underdeveloped sensory papillae and a thinner tegument.
- Increased apoptosis was observed in Sjak1-knockdown schistosomula compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Sjak1 plays a vital role in the growth and development of S. japonicum schistosomula, particularly in integument formation and sensory organ development.
- Sjak1 is a promising molecular target for the development of novel interventions against schistosomiasis.
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