In Silico Analysis of Common Long Noncoding RNAs in Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium

Abstract

Background. Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma parasites is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide. Genetic regulation of the genus Schistosoma, which has different developmental stages throughout its life, is quite complex. In these parasites, thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) estimated to be functional were identified. Identifying the transcripts expressed in common and detecting their functions for better understanding of the role of these lncRNAs require a comparative study. Methods. Assembled RNA-seq datasets belonging to S. mansoni and S. haematobium were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology. A basic local alignment search tool (BLASTN) analysis was conducted against previously constructed lncRNA library to identify the common lncRNAs between two species. LncRNAs target genes and their gene ontology annotation was performed. Results. In S. mansoni and S. haematobium, 5132 and 3589 lncRNA transcripts were detected, respectively. These two species had 694 lncRNAs in common. A significant number of lncRNAs was determined to be transcribed from sex chromosomes. The frequently expressed lncRNAs appear to be involved in metabolic and biological regulation processes. Conclusions. These two species share similar lncRNAs; thus, this finding is a clue that they might have similar functions. In sexual development, they especially might play important roles. Our results will provide important clues to further studies about interactions between human hosts and parasites and the infection mechanisms of Schistosoma parasites.

Roles of microRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs Encoded by Parasitic Helminths in Human Carcinogenesis

“…A bioinformatics analysis predicted 3589 lncRNA transcripts in the eggs, adult males, and adult females of S. haematobium [ 62 ]. However, the characterization and differential expression of the lncRNAs in the distinct development stages of S. haematobium have not been described yet.…”

“…However, the characterization and differential expression of the lncRNAs in the distinct development stages of S. haematobium have not been described yet. Interestingly, homology between 694 lncRNAs from S. haematobium and S. mansoni was identified, which could assist in defining the possible functions of S. haematobium lncRNAs [ 62 ]; further studies must address the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs encoded by S. haematobium that are involved in development, sexual maturation, egg production, packaging in extracellular vesicles, the regulation of targets in the host, relationships with inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer.…”