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Generating Transgenics and Knockouts in Strongyloides Species by Microinjection
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Using newly optimized genetic tools to probe Strongyloides sensory behaviors
Patricia Mendez1, Breanna Walsh2, Elissa A Hallem3
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Interdepartmental PhD Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology
|June 13, 2022
Summary
Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasitic threadworm affecting 8% globally, relies on sensory cues for survival. Understanding its neurobiology offers new avenues for treating strongyloidiasis and combating drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Neurobiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Strongyloides stercoralis infects 8% of the global population, causing significant health and economic burdens, particularly in marginalized communities.
- Current anthelminthic treatments face challenges like disease recrudescence and emerging drug resistance, highlighting the need for novel control strategies.
- The parasite's life cycle and infectivity are intricately linked to sensory behaviors, including responses to odorants, tastants, gases, and temperature, which remain poorly understood at the molecular and neural levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of sensory behaviors in Strongyloides species.
- To explore the molecular and neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors.
- To highlight the potential of disrupting sensory circuits for novel therapeutic interventions against strongyloidiasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Strongyloides sensory behaviors (olfactory, gustatory, gas sensing, thermosensory).
- Discussion of advanced genetic tools available for Strongyloides research, including transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi, and chemogenetics.
- Emphasis on the use of fluorescent biosensors for measuring neuronal activity.
Main Results:
- Sensory cues are critical for environmental navigation, host seeking, and developmental progression in Strongyloides.
- Significant progress has been made in characterizing olfactory, gustatory, gas sensing, and thermosensory behaviors.
- A suite of genetic tools now enables detailed investigation of the parasite's neurobiology.
Conclusions:
- Disrupting essential sensory circuits presents a promising strategy for developing new treatments for strongyloidiasis.
- The availability of advanced genetic tools is accelerating discoveries in Strongyloides sensory neurobiology.
- Further research in this area holds potential for pioneering advances in the prevention and treatment of this neglected parasitic infection.
