Investigating Cryptosporidium spp. Using Genomic, Proteomic and Transcriptomic Techniques: Current Progress and Future Directions

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis is a widespread disease caused by the parasitic protozoan Cryptosporidium spp., which infects various vertebrate species, including humans. Once unknown as a gastroenteritis-causing agent, Cryptosporidium spp. is now recognized as a pathogen causing life-threatening disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals such as AIDS patients. Advances in diagnostic methods and increased awareness have led to a significant shift in the perception of Cryptosporidium spp. as a pathogen. Currently, genomic and proteomic studies play a main role in understanding the molecular biology of this complex-life-cycle parasite. Genomics has enabled the identification of numerous genes involved in the parasite’s development and interaction with hosts. Proteomics has allowed for the identification of protein interactions, their function, structure, and cellular activity. The combination of these two approaches has significantly contributed to the development of new diagnostic tools, vaccines, and drugs for cryptosporidiosis. This review presents an overview of the significant achievements in Cryptosporidium research by utilizing genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics approaches.

WHOLE GENOME TARGETED ENRICHMENT AND SEQUENCING OF HUMAN-INFECTINGCRYPTOSPORIDIUMspp.

“…6C-E). Several studies recommend only sequencing samples with Ct values < 16 43,46 . However, even with an average large Ct value of 25.4, we still see, on average, 31.3% breadth and 28.1X depth in the clinical samples using NEB libraries and 54.38% coverage and 32.11X depth in the clinical samples using iNextEra libraries (Table S17-S18).…”

Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases

“…The current Special Issue has therefore become not only a collection that shows the diverse nature of the research issues in contemporary parasitology, but also a platform for discussion on the possibilities of using various methods from the field of molecular biology [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. The area has recently been subject to an enormous growth in research and, as such, its status requires constant updating and specialized verification; hence, review studies critically analyzing the current state of the knowledge in this area are also invaluable.…”

“…Molecular methods have revolutionized a number of parasitological specialisms, including the study of single-celled organisms, which were previously difficult to detect and identify due to their microscopic size and the small range of features they have that are useful in taxonomic studies based on morphoanatomy [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ]. These methods can be used in a wide spectrum of research, such as population studies aiming to detect parasites and estimate the frequency of their occurrence in various human populations and communities, thus monitoring changes and detecting new threats [ 47 ].…”

“…Expanding and extending the range of molecular tools available to us is of great importance for parasitological diagnostics and may also change our therapeutic approach to parasites [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. This may include, for example, new opportunities to use improved, more effective diagnostic tests for common and often dangerous intestinal parasites that cause disease and death, such as Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis , and Entamoeba histolytica [ 49 ].…”

“…This may include, for example, new opportunities to use improved, more effective diagnostic tests for common and often dangerous intestinal parasites that cause disease and death, such as Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis , and Entamoeba histolytica [ 49 ]. In turn, research conducted around the world, based on a new approach using a combination of genomics and proteomics, has significantly contributed to the development of new diagnostic tools, vaccines, and drugs for cryptosporidiosis [ 50 ]. Another modern approach that employs molecular research tools has also allowed for the development of innovative diagnostic methods for detecting human amoebiasis, especially the identification, genomic analysis, and examination of the genetic diversity of Entamoeba spp.…”