Comparison of the differential expression miRNAs in Wistar rats before and 10 days after S.japonicum infection

Abstract

BackgroundWhen compared to the murine permissive host of Schistosoma japonicum, Wistar rats are less susceptible to Schistosoma japonicum infection, and are considered to provide a less suitable microenvironment for parasite growth and development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are a class of endogenous, non-coding small RNAs, that impose an additional, highly significant, level of gene regulation within eukaryotes.MethodsTo investigate the regulatory mechanisms provided by miRNA in the schistosome-infected rat model, we utilized a miRNA microarray to compare the progression of miRNA expression within different host tissues both before and 10 days after cercarial infection, in order to identify potential miRNAs with roles in responding to a schistosome infection.ResultsAmong the analysed miRNAs, 16 within the liver, 61 within the spleen and 10 within the lung, were differentially expressed in infected Wistar rats. Further analysis of the differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that many important signal pathways are triggered after infection with S. japonicum in Wistar rats. These include the signal transduction mechanisms associated with the Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways, cellular differentiation, with a particular emphasis on adipocyte and erythroid differentiation.ConclusionsThe results presented here include the identification of specific differentially expressed miRNAs within the liver, lungs and spleen of Wistar rats. These results highlighted the function of host miRNA regulation during an active schistosome infection. Our study provides a better understanding of the regulatory role of miRNA in schistosome infection, and host–parasite interactions in a non-permissive host environment.

Changes in microRNA expression in response to Schistosoma japonicum infection

“…Although only a few studies on changes in host miRNA in response to schistosome infection have been reported, the preliminary results have highlighted that a panel of host miRNAs is modulated and that this may play a variety of regulatory roles in balancing the immune response and disease progression in the host. As a result, this may affect the survival, development and apoptosis of schistosomes in different developmental stages in their final hosts …”

“…Numerous reports show that host miRNAs are modulated following S. japonicum infection and these are summarized in Table . Han et al . used BALB/c mice (a permissive host for S. japonicum ), Wistar rats (a less susceptible or semipermissive host) and Microtus fortis (a kind of reed vole, the only mammal found in endemic areas of China in which the schistosome is naturally prevented from maturing and completing its life cycle) as experimental animal models.…”

Dysregulation of hepatic microRNA expression profiles with Clonorchis sinensis infection

“…Also, miRNAs are reported to regulate a variety of developmental and physiological processes in various parasites [9], including Trypanosoma brucei, Toxoplasma gondii , and Schistosoma japonicum [10–12]. Some recent studies have investigated differences in miRNA expression profiles and related specific biological functions in parasite-infected hosts [13]. For example, let-7i regulates Toll-like receptor 4 expression in cholangiocytes and contributes to epithelial immune responses against Cryptosporidium parvum infection [14].…”

Comparative characterization of microRNAs in Schistosoma japonicum schistosomula from Wistar rats and BALB/c mice

“…Mice (Mus musculus) are permissive hosts of S. japonicum, and they support the full growth, development, and sexual maturation of the parasite. In contrast, rats (Rattus norvegicus) are less susceptible or semipermissive because they do not provide a suitable microenvironment that is conducive for parasite growth and development (Han et al 2013b;Silva-Leitao et al 2009). The life cycle of S. japonicum in rat hosts is unsustainable due to the low survival rate, compared with that of mice, of cercariae that penetrate through the skin, and much fewer schistosomula successfully migrate from the liver portal circulation into the mesenteric veins.…”

“…The life cycle of S. japonicum in rat hosts is unsustainable due to the low survival rate, compared with that of mice, of cercariae that penetrate through the skin, and much fewer schistosomula successfully migrate from the liver portal circulation into the mesenteric veins. Additionally, in rats, adult female worms have a lower egg-laying rate, and they lay increased numbers of immature eggs (Han et al 2013b;Peng et al 2011b).…”