Proteomic Analysis of Schistosoma japonicum Schistosomulum Proteins that are Differentially Expressed Among Hosts Differing in Their Susceptibility to the Infection

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a tropical, parasitic disease affecting humans and several animal species. The aim of this study was to identify proteins involved in the growth and survival of the parasitic forms inside a host. Schistosomula of Schistosoma japonicum were isolated from three different hosts: the susceptible BALB/c mice; the Wistar rats, which have a considerably lower susceptibility; and the resistant reed vole, Microtus fortis. Soluble proteins of the schistosomula collected from the above three hosts 10 days postinfection were subjected to two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Comparative proteomic analyses revealed that 39, 21, and 25 protein spots were significantly differentially expressed between schistosomula from mice and rats, mice and reed voles, or rats and reed voles, respectively (ANCOVA, p < 0.05). Further, the protein spots were identified by liquid chromatographytandem MS. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins were essentially those involved in the metabolism of proteins, ribonucleotides, or carbohydrates, or in stress response or cellular movement. This study represents the first attempt at profiling S.

Immunoproteomic analysis of Schistosoma japonicum schistosomulum proteins recognized by immunoglobulin G in the sera of susceptible and non-susceptible hosts

“…After several days, the worms migrate to the portal venous system where they pair and mature [25]. During migration, the schistosomula experience a number of morphological changes and physiological adaptations as they develop into mature worms in their definitive hosts [11,25]. They are instantly exposed to and readily targeted by effector elements of the host immune system, and they are known to be the principal target of innate and acquired immunity [26,27].…”

“…The growth and survival of the worms are extremely poor in M. fortis and most of the worms die within 15 days of challenge with cercariae [9]. Different hosts provide a distinct environment for the schistosomes, which affects the survival and development of the parasite [11]. It is possible that M. fortis has a stronger immune response to the schistosomes during the early phases of infection, with more severe pathological lesions.…”

The helminth parasite proteome at the host–parasite interface – Informing diagnosis and control

“…This requires adaptations for surviving in the different hosts. Comparative proteomic studies in S. japonicum have begun to shed light on some of the adaptations associated with different hosts, by comparing proteomes from the mouse, rat and vole definitive hosts (Hong et al, 2011). These studies have shown different expression patterns of proteins involved in protein, ribonucleic acid and carbohydrate metabolism as well as proteins involved in stress response or cellular movement.…”

Quantitative proteomic analyses of Schistosoma japonicum in response to artesunate

“…Gene-specific primers were designed using Primer 5.0 (Table S3). The TPC2L and NADH dehydrogenase genes were used as references for normalization 61,62 . Reaction conditions and cycling protocols were followed as described in the SYBR green tag kit to add the fluorescent tag during every final extension step.…”