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Simphor E, Rognon A, Vignal E, Henry S, Allienne JF, Turtoi A, Chaparro C, Galinier R, Duval D, Gourbal B. Combining a transcriptomic approach and a targeted metabolomics approach for deciphering the molecular bases of compatibility phenotype in the snail Biomphalaria glabrata toward Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2024; 255:107212. [PMID: 38641222 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Biomphalaria glabrata is a freshwater snail and the obligatory intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni parasite, the etiologic agent of intestinal Schistosomiasis, in South America and Caribbean. Interestingly in such host-parasite interactions, compatibility varies between populations, strains or individuals. This observed compatibility polymorphism is based on a complex molecular-matching-phenotype, the molecular bases of which have been investigated in numerous studies, notably by comparing between different strains or geographical isolates or clonal selected snail lines. Herein we propose to decipher the constitutive molecular support of this interaction in selected non-clonal resistant and susceptible snail strain originating from the same natural population from Brazil and thus having the same genetic background. Thanks to a global RNAseq transcriptomic approach on whole snail, we identified a total of 328 differentially expressed genes between resistant and susceptible phenotypes among which 129 were up-regulated and 199 down-regulated. Metabolomic studies were used to corroborate the RNAseq results. The activation of immune genes and specific metabolic pathways in resistant snails might provide them with the capacity to better respond to parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Simphor
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Anne Rognon
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Emmanuel Vignal
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Sylvain Henry
- Platform for Translational Oncometabolomics, Biocampus, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Andrei Turtoi
- Platform for Translational Oncometabolomics, Biocampus, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Tumor Microenvironment and Resistance to Therapy Laboratory, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, France
| | - Cristian Chaparro
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Richard Galinier
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - David Duval
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Benjamin Gourbal
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France.
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Pennance T, Rollinson D. Accelerating snail vector genomics. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:32. [PMID: 38711151 PMCID: PMC11071182 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01199-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The three most important genera of snails for the transmission of schistosomes are Bulinus, Biomphalaria and Oncomelania. Each of these genera, found in two distantly related families, includes species that act as the intermediate host for one of the three most widespread schistosome species infecting humans, Schistosoma haematobium, S. mansoni and S. japonicum, respectively. An important step in the fight against schistosomiasis in Asia has been taken with the publication of the article "Chromosome-level genome assembly of Oncomelania hupensis: the intermediate snail host of Schistosoma japonicum", which means that genomes for all three major genera, including species across three continents, are now available in the public domain. This includes the first genomes of African snail vectors, namely Biomphalaria sudanica, Bi. pfeifferi and Bulinus truncatus, as well as high-quality chromosome level assemblies for South American Bi. glabrata. Most importantly, the wealth of new genomic and transcriptomic data is helping to establish the specific molecular mechanisms that underly compatibility between snails and their schistosomes, which although diverse and complex, may help to identify potential targets dictating host parasite interactions that can be utilised in future transmission control strategies. This new work on Oncomelania hupensis and indeed studies on other snail vectors, which provide deep insights into the genome, will stimulate research that may well lead to new and much needed control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Pennance
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA
| | - David Rollinson
- Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London, W5 5BW, UK.
- Science Department, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK.
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Pennance T, Calvelo J, Tennessen JA, Burd R, Cayton J, Bollmann SR, Blouin MS, Spaan JM, Hoffmann FG, Ogara G, Rawago F, Andiego K, Mulonga B, Odhiambo M, Loker ES, Laidemitt MR, Lu L, Iriarte A, Odiere MR, Steinauer ML. The genome and transcriptome of the snail Biomphalaria sudanica s.l.: immune gene diversification and highly polymorphic genomic regions in an important African vector of Schistosoma mansoni. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:192. [PMID: 38373909 PMCID: PMC10875847 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10103-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control and elimination of schistosomiasis is an arduous task, with current strategies proving inadequate to break transmission. Exploration of genetic approaches to interrupt Schistosoma mansoni transmission, the causative agent for human intestinal schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa and South America, has led to genomic research of the snail vector hosts of the genus Biomphalaria. Few complete genomic resources exist, with African Biomphalaria species being particularly underrepresented despite this being where the majority of S. mansoni infections occur. Here we generate and annotate the first genome assembly of Biomphalaria sudanica sensu lato, a species responsible for S. mansoni transmission in lake and marsh habitats of the African Rift Valley. Supported by whole-genome diversity data among five inbred lines, we describe orthologs of immune-relevant gene regions in the South American vector B. glabrata and present a bioinformatic pipeline to identify candidate novel pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). RESULTS De novo genome and transcriptome assembly of inbred B. sudanica originating from the shoreline of Lake Victoria (Kisumu, Kenya) resulted in a haploid genome size of ~ 944.2 Mb (6,728 fragments, N50 = 1.067 Mb), comprising 23,598 genes (BUSCO = 93.6% complete). The B. sudanica genome contains orthologues to all described immune genes/regions tied to protection against S. mansoni in B. glabrata, including the polymorphic transmembrane clusters (PTC1 and PTC2), RADres, and other loci. The B. sudanica PTC2 candidate immune genomic region contained many PRR-like genes across a much wider genomic region than has been shown in B. glabrata, as well as a large inversion between species. High levels of intra-species nucleotide diversity were seen in PTC2, as well as in regions linked to PTC1 and RADres orthologues. Immune related and putative PRR gene families were significantly over-represented in the sub-set of B. sudanica genes determined as hyperdiverse, including high extracellular diversity in transmembrane genes, which could be under pathogen-mediated balancing selection. However, no overall expansion in immunity related genes was seen in African compared to South American lineages. CONCLUSIONS The B. sudanica genome and analyses presented here will facilitate future research in vector immune defense mechanisms against pathogens. This genomic/transcriptomic resource provides necessary data for the future development of molecular snail vector control/surveillance tools, facilitating schistosome transmission interruption mechanisms in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Pennance
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA.
| | - Javier Calvelo
- Laboratorio de Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Higiene, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | | | - Ryan Burd
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA
| | - Jared Cayton
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Johannie M Spaan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA
| | - Federico G Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA
- Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - George Ogara
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Rawago
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kennedy Andiego
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Boaz Mulonga
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meredith Odhiambo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eric S Loker
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Martina R Laidemitt
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Lijun Lu
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Andrés Iriarte
- Laboratorio de Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Higiene, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | - Maurice R Odiere
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Michelle L Steinauer
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA.
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Abou-El-Naga IF, Mogahed NMFH. Immuno-molecular profile for Biomphalaria glabrata/Schistosoma mansoni interaction. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 150:105083. [PMID: 37852455 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The complex innate immune defense of Biomphalaria glabrata, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, governs the successful development of the intramolluscan stages of the parasite. The interaction between the snail and the parasite involves a complex immune molecular crosstalk between several parasite antigens and the snail immune recognition receptors, evoking different signals and effector molecules. This work seeks to discuss the immune-related molecules that influence compatibility in Biomphalaria glabrata/Schistosoma mansoni interaction and the differential expression of these molecules between resistant and susceptible snails. It also includes the current understanding of the immune molecular determinants that govern the compatibility in sympatric and allopatric interactions, and the expression of these molecules after immune priming and the secondary immune response. Herein, the differences in the immune-related molecules in the interaction of other Biomphalaria species with Schistosoma mansoni compared to the Biomphalaria glabrata model snail are highlighted. Understanding the diverse immune molecular determinants in the snail/schistosome interaction can lead to alternative control strategies for schistosomiasis.
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Pennance T, Calvelo J, Tennessen JA, Burd R, Cayton J, Bollmann SR, Blouin MS, Spaan JM, Hoffmann FG, Ogara G, Rawago F, Andiego K, Mulonga B, Odhiambo M, Loker ES, Laidemitt MR, Lu L, Iriarte A, Odiere M, Steinauer ML. The genome and transcriptome of the snail Biomphalaria sudanica s.l.: Immune gene diversification and highly polymorphic genomic regions in an important African vector of Schistosoma mansoni. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.01.565203. [PMID: 37961413 PMCID: PMC10635097 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Control and elimination of schistosomiasis is an arduous task, with current strategies proving inadequate to break transmission. Exploration of genetic approaches to interrupt Schistosoma mansoni transmission, the causative agent for human intestinal schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa and South America, has led to genomic research of the snail vector hosts of the genus Biomphalaria. Few complete genomic resources exist, with African Biomphalaria species being particularly underrepresented despite this being where the majority of S. mansoni infections occur. Here we generate and annotate the first genome assembly of Biomphalaria sudanica sensu lato, a species responsible for S. mansoni transmission in lake and marsh habitats of the African Rift Valley. Supported by whole-genome diversity data among five inbred lines, we describe orthologs of immune-relevant gene regions in the South American vector B. glabrata and present a bioinformatic pipeline to identify candidate novel pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). Results De novo genome and transcriptome assembly of inbred B. sudanica originating from the shoreline of Lake Victoria (Kisumu, Kenya) resulted in a haploid genome size of ~944.2 Mb (6732 fragments, N50=1.067 Mb), comprising 23,598 genes (BUSCO=93.6% complete). The B. sudanica genome contains orthologues to all described immune genes/regions tied to protection against S. mansoni in B. glabrata. The B. sudanica PTC2 candidate immune genomic region contained many PRR-like genes across a much wider genomic region than has been shown in B. glabrata, as well as a large inversion between species. High levels of intra-species nucleotide diversity were seen in PTC2, as well as in regions linked to PTC1 and RADres orthologues. Immune related and putative PRR gene families were significantly over-represented in the sub-set of B. sudanica genes determined as hyperdiverse, including high extracellular diversity in transmembrane genes, which could be under pathogen-mediated balancing selection. However, no overall expansion in immunity related genes were seen in African compared to South American lineages. Conclusions The B. sudanica genome and analyses presented here will facilitate future research in vector immune defense mechanisms against pathogens. This genomic/transcriptomic resource provides necessary data for the future development of molecular snail vector control/surveillance tools, facilitating schistosome transmission interruption mechanisms in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Pennance
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
| | - Javier Calvelo
- Laboratorio Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | | | - Ryan Burd
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
| | - Jared Cayton
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
| | | | | | - Johannie M Spaan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
| | - Federico G Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS USA
| | - George Ogara
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Rawago
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kennedy Andiego
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Boaz Mulonga
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meredith Odhiambo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eric S Loker
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, U.S.A
| | - Martina R Laidemitt
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, U.S.A
| | - Lijun Lu
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, U.S.A
| | - Andrés Iriarte
- Laboratorio Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Maurice Odiere
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS USA
| | - Michelle L Steinauer
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
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Trippler L, Knopp S, Welsche S, Webster BL, Stothard JR, Blair L, Allan F, Ame SM, Juma S, Kabole F, Ali SM, Rollinson D, Pennance T. The long road to schistosomiasis elimination in Zanzibar: A systematic review covering 100 years of research, interventions and control milestones. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 122:71-191. [PMID: 37657854 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Zanzibar is among the few places in sub-Saharan Africa where interruption of Schistosoma transmission seems an achievable goal. Our systematic review identifies and discusses milestones in schistosomiasis research, control and elimination efforts in Zanzibar over the past 100 years. The search in online databases, libraries, and the World Health Organization Archives revealed 153 records published between May 1928 and August 2022. The content of records was summarised to highlight the pivotal work leading towards urogenital schistosomiasis elimination and remaining research gaps. The greatest achievement following 100 years of schistosomiasis interventions and research is undoubtedly the improved health of Zanzibaris, exemplified by the reduction in Schistosoma haematobium prevalence from>50% historically down to<5% in 2020, and the absence of severe morbidities. Experiences from Zanzibar have contributed to global schistosomiasis guidelines, whilst also revealing challenges that impede progression towards elimination. Challenges include: transmission heterogeneity requiring micro-targeting of interventions, post-treatment recrudescence of infections in transmission hotspots, biological complexity of intermediate host snails, emergence of livestock Schistosoma species complicating surveillance whilst creating the risk for interspecies hybridisation, insufficient diagnostics performance for light intensity infections and female genital schistosomiasis, and a lack of acceptable sanitary alternatives to freshwater bodies. Our analysis of the past revealed that much can be achieved in the future with practical implementation of integrated interventions, alongside operational research. With continuing national and international commitments, interruption of S. haematobium transmission across both islands is within reach by 2030, signposting the future demise of urogenital schistosomiasis across other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Trippler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stefanie Knopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Bonnie L Webster
- Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Fiona Allan
- Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom; University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Shaali Makame Ame
- Neglected Diseases Programme, Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Lumumba, Unguja, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Saleh Juma
- Neglected Diseases Programme, Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Mkoroshoni, Pemba, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Fatma Kabole
- Neglected Diseases Programme, Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Lumumba, Unguja, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Said Mohammed Ali
- Public Health Laboratory - Ivo de Carneri, Wawi, Chake Chake, Pemba, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - David Rollinson
- Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom; Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Pennance
- Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom; Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, United States.
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Bu L, Lu L, Laidemitt MR, Zhang SM, Mutuku M, Mkoji G, Steinauer M, Loker ES. A genome sequence for Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the major vector snail for the human-infecting parasite Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011208. [PMID: 36961841 PMCID: PMC10075465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomphalaria pfeifferi is the world's most widely distributed and commonly implicated vector snail species for the causative agent of human intestinal schistosomiasis, Schistosoma mansoni. In efforts to control S. mansoni transmission, chemotherapy alone has proven insufficient. New approaches to snail control offer a way forward, and possible genetic manipulations of snail vectors will require new tools. Towards this end, we here offer a diverse set of genomic resources for the important African schistosome vector, B. pfeifferi. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Based largely on PacBio High-Fidelity long reads, we report a genome assembly size of 772 Mb for B. pfeifferi (Kenya), smaller in size than known genomes of other planorbid schistosome vectors. In a total of 505 scaffolds (N50 = 3.2Mb), 430 were assigned to 18 large linkage groups inferred to represent the 18 known chromosomes, based on whole genome comparisons with Biomphalaria glabrata. The annotated B. pfeifferi genome reveals a divergence time of 3.01 million years with B. glabrata, a South American species believed to be similar to the progenitors of B. pfeifferi which undertook a trans-Atlantic colonization < five million years ago. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The genome for this preferentially self-crossing species is less heterozygous than related species known to be preferential out-crossers; its smaller genome relative to congeners may similarly reflect its preference for selfing. Expansions of gene families with immune relevance are noted, including the FReD gene family which is far more similar in its composition to B. glabrata than to Bulinus truncatus, a vector for Schistosoma haematobium. Provision of this annotated genome will help better understand the dependencies of trematodes on snails, enable broader comparative insights regarding factors contributing to susceptibility/ resistance of snails to schistosome infections, and provide an invaluable resource with respect to identifying and manipulating snail genes as potential targets for more specific snail control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Bu
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Lijun Lu
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Martina R Laidemitt
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Martin Mutuku
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gerald Mkoji
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michelle Steinauer
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Eric S Loker
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
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Modeling the efficacy of CRISPR gene drive for snail immunity on schistosomiasis control. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010894. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR gene drives could revolutionize the control of infectious diseases by accelerating the spread of engineered traits that limit parasite transmission in wild populations. Gene drive technology in mollusks has received little attention despite the role of freshwater snails as hosts of parasitic flukes causing 200 million annual cases of schistosomiasis. A successful drive in snails must overcome self-fertilization, a common feature of host snails which could prevents a drive’s spread. Here we developed a novel population genetic model accounting for snails’ mixed mating and population dynamics, susceptibility to parasite infection regulated by multiple alleles, fitness differences between genotypes, and a range of drive characteristics. We integrated this model with an epidemiological model of schistosomiasis transmission to show that a snail population modification drive targeting immunity to infection can be hindered by a variety of biological and ecological factors; yet under a range of conditions, disease reduction achieved by chemotherapy treatment of the human population can be maintained with a drive. Alone a drive modifying snail immunity could achieve significant disease reduction in humans several years after release. These results indicate that gene drives, in coordination with existing public health measures, may become a useful tool to reduce schistosomiasis burden in selected transmission settings with effective CRISPR construct design and evaluation of the genetic and ecological landscape.
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Blouin MS, Bollmann SR, Tennessen JA. PTC2 region genotypes counteract Biomphalaria glabrata population differences between M-line and BS90 in resistance to infection by Schistosoma mansoni. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13971. [PMID: 36117535 PMCID: PMC9480060 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Biomphalaria glabrata is a snail intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni, a trematode responsible for human schistosomiasis. BS90 is one of the most well studied strains of B. glabrata owing to its high resistance to infection by most strains of S. mansoni. An F2 mapping study from 1999 identified two RAPD markers that associated with what appeared to be single-locus, dominant resistance by the BS90 population relative to the susceptible M-line population. One marker cannot be mapped, but the other, OPM-04, maps to within 5 Mb of PTC2, a region we recently showed has a very large effect on resistance within another snail population challenged by the same strain of parasite (PR1). Here we tested the hypothesis that the PTC2 region contains the causal gene/s that explain the iconic resistance of BS90 snails. Methods We used marker-assisted backcrossing to drive the BS90 version of the PTC2 region (+/-~1 Mb on either side) into an M-line (susceptible strain) genetic background, and the M-line version into a BS90 genetic background. We challenged the offspring with PR1-strain schistosomes and tested for effects of allelic variation in the PTC2 region in a common genetic background. Results Relative to M-line haplotypes, the BS90 haplotype actually confers enhanced susceptibility. So we reject our original hypothesis. One possible explanation for our result was that the causal gene linked to OPM-04 is near, but not in the PTC2 block that we introgressed into each line. So we used an F2 cross to independently test the effects of the PTC2 and OPM-04 regions in a randomized genetic background. We confirmed that the BS90 haplotype confers increased susceptibility, and we see a similar, although non-significant effect at OPM-04. We discuss possible reasons why our results differed so dramatically from those of the 1999 study. We also present Pacbio assemblies of the PTC2 and flanking region in BS90 and M-line, compare with previously published PTC2 haplotypes, and discuss candidate genes that might be behind the enhanced susceptibility of the BS90 haplotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Blouin
- Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Stephanie R. Bollmann
- Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jacob A. Tennessen
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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10
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Bu L, Zhong D, Lu L, Loker ES, Yan G, Zhang SM. Compatibility between snails and schistosomes: insights from new genetic resources, comparative genomics, and genetic mapping. Commun Biol 2022; 5:940. [PMID: 36085314 PMCID: PMC9463173 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata is an important intermediate host of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni that causes human intestinal schistosomiasis. To better understand vector snail biology and help advance innovative snail control strategies, we have developed a new snail model consisting of two homozygous B. glabrata lines (iM line and iBS90) with sharply contrasting schistosome-resistance phenotypes. We produced and compared high-quality genome sequences for iM line and iBS90 which were assembled from 255 (N50 = 22.7 Mb) and 346 (N50 = 19.4 Mb) scaffolds, respectively. Using F2 offspring bred from the two lines and the newly generated iM line genome, we constructed 18 linkage groups (representing the 18 haploid chromosomes) covering 96% of the genome and identified three new QTLs (quantitative trait loci), two involved in snail resistance/susceptibility and one relating to body pigmentation. This study provides excellent genomic resources for unveiling complex vector snail biology, reveals genomic difference between resistant and susceptible lines, and offers novel insights into genetic mechanism of the compatibility between snail and schistosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Bu
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Lijun Lu
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Eric S Loker
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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11
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Platt RN, Le Clec'h W, Chevalier FD, McDew‐White M, LoVerde PT, Ramiro de Assis R, Oliveira G, Kinung'hi S, Djirmay AG, Steinauer ML, Gouvras A, Rabone M, Allan F, Webster BL, Webster JP, Emery AM, Rollinson D, Anderson TJC. Genomic analysis of a parasite invasion: Colonization of the Americas by the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:2242-2263. [PMID: 35152493 PMCID: PMC9305930 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni, a snail-borne, blood fluke that infects humans, was introduced into the Americas from Africa during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. As this parasite shows strong specificity to the snail intermediate host, we expected that adaptation to South American Biomphalaria spp. snails would result in population bottlenecks and strong signatures of selection. We scored 475,081 single nucleotide variants in 143 S. mansoni from the Americas (Brazil, Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico) and Africa (Cameroon, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda), and used these data to ask: (i) Was there a population bottleneck during colonization? (ii) Can we identify signatures of selection associated with colonization? (iii) What were the source populations for colonizing parasites? We found a 2.4- to 2.9-fold reduction in diversity and much slower decay in linkage disequilibrium (LD) in parasites from East to West Africa. However, we observed similar nuclear diversity and LD in West Africa and Brazil, suggesting no strong bottlenecks and limited barriers to colonization. We identified five genome regions showing selection in the Americas, compared with three in West Africa and none in East Africa, which we speculate may reflect adaptation during colonization. Finally, we infer that unsampled populations from central African regions between Benin and Angola, with contributions from Niger, are probably the major source(s) for Brazilian S. mansoni. The absence of a bottleneck suggests that this is a rare case of a serendipitous invasion, where S. mansoni parasites were pre-adapted to the Americas and able to establish with relative ease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy N. Platt
- Texas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou—Fiocruz/MGBelo HorizonteBrazil
- Instituto Tecnológico ValeBelémBrazil
| | | | - Amadou Garba Djirmay
- Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnemental Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL)NiameyNiger
| | | | | | | | - Fiona Allan
- Department of Pathobiology and Population SciencesRoyal Veterinary College, Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic DiseasesUniversity of LondonHertfordshireUK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College LondonSchool of Public HealthLondonUK
| | - Bonnie L. Webster
- Natural History MuseumLondonUK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College LondonSchool of Public HealthLondonUK
| | - Joanne P. Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population SciencesRoyal Veterinary College, Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic DiseasesUniversity of LondonHertfordshireUK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College LondonSchool of Public HealthLondonUK
| | - Aidan M. Emery
- Natural History MuseumLondonUK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College LondonSchool of Public HealthLondonUK
| | - David Rollinson
- Natural History MuseumLondonUK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College LondonSchool of Public HealthLondonUK
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12
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Lu L, Bu L, Zhang SM, Buddenborg SK, Loker ES. An Overview of Transcriptional Responses of Schistosome-Susceptible (M line) or -Resistant (BS-90) Biomphalaria glabrata Exposed or Not to Schistosoma mansoni Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 12:805882. [PMID: 35095891 PMCID: PMC8791074 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.805882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We seek to provide a comprehensive overview of transcriptomics responses of immune-related features of the gastropod Biomphalaria glabrata (Bg) following exposure to Schistosoma mansoni (Sm), a trematode causing human schistosomiasis. Responses of schistosome-susceptible (M line, or SUS) and -resistant (BS-90, or RES) Bg strains were characterized following exposure to Sm for 0.5, 2, 8 or 40 days post-exposure (dpe). Methods RNA-Seq and differential expression analysis were undertaken on 56 snails from 14 groups. We considered 7 response categories: 1) constitutive resistance factors; 2) constitutive susceptibility factors; 3) generalized stress responses; 4) induced resistance factors; 5) resistance factors suppressed in SUS snails; 6) suppressed/manipulated factors in SUS snails; and 7) tolerance responses in SUS snails. We also undertook a gene co-expression network analysis. Results from prior studies identifying schistosome resistance/susceptibility factors were examined relative to our findings. Results A total of 792 million paired-end reads representing 91.2% of the estimated 31,985 genes in the Bg genome were detected and results for the 7 categories compiled and highlighted. For both RES and SUS snails, a single most supported network of genes with highly correlated expression was found. Conclusions 1) Several constitutive differences in gene expression between SUS and RES snails were noted, the majority over-represented in RES; 2) There was little indication of a generalized stress response shared by SUS and RES snails at 0.5 or 2 dpe; 3) RES snails mounted a strong, multi-faceted response by 0.5 dpe that carried over to 2 dpe; 4) The most notable SUS responses were at 40 dpe, in snails shedding cercariae, when numerous features were either strongly down-regulated indicative of physiological distress or parasite manipulation, or up-regulated, suggestive of tolerance or survival-promoting effects; 5) Of 55 genes previously identified in genome wide mapping studies, 29 (52.7%) were responsive to Sm, as were many familiar resistance-associated genes (41.0%) identified by other means; 6) Both network analysis and remarkably specific patterns of expression of lectins and G protein-coupled receptors in categories 4, 6 and 7 were indicative of orchestrated responses of different suites of genes in SUS or RES snails following exposure to Sm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Lu
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Lijing Bu
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Sarah K Buddenborg
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Eric S Loker
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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13
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Young ND, Stroehlein AJ, Wang T, Korhonen PK, Mentink-Kane M, Stothard JR, Rollinson D, Gasser RB. Nuclear genome of Bulinus truncatus, an intermediate host of the carcinogenic human blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium. Nat Commun 2022; 13:977. [PMID: 35190553 PMCID: PMC8861042 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Some snails act as intermediate hosts (vectors) for parasitic flatworms (flukes) that cause neglected tropical diseases, such as schistosomiases. Schistosoma haematobium is a blood fluke that causes urogenital schistosomiasis and induces bladder cancer and increased risk of HIV infection. Understanding the molecular biology of the snail and its relationship with the parasite could guide development of an intervention approach that interrupts transmission. Here, we define the genome for a key intermediate host of S. haematobium—called Bulinus truncatus—and explore protein groups inferred to play an integral role in the snail’s biology and its relationship with the schistosome parasite. Bu. truncatus shared many orthologous protein groups with Biomphalaria glabrata—the key snail vector for S. mansoni which causes hepatointestinal schistosomiasis in people. Conspicuous were expansions in signalling and membrane trafficking proteins, peptidases and their inhibitors as well as gene families linked to immune response regulation, such as a large repertoire of lectin-like molecules. This work provides a sound basis for further studies of snail-parasite interactions in the search for targets to block schistosomiasis transmission. The snail Bulinus truncatus is an intermediate host of the carcinogenic human blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium. Here the authors report the genome of Bu. truncatus, explore protein groups inferred to play a role in its interaction with the schistosome parasite, and identify expansions in gene families linked to immune response regulation.
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14
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Nong W, Yu Y, Aase-Remedios ME, Xie Y, So WL, Li Y, Wong CF, Baril T, Law STS, Lai SY, Haimovitz J, Swale T, Chen SS, Kai ZP, Sun X, Wu Z, Hayward A, Ferrier DEK, Hui JHL. Genome of the ramshorn snail Biomphalaria straminea-an obligate intermediate host of schistosomiasis. Gigascience 2022; 11:6528774. [PMID: 35166339 PMCID: PMC8848322 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, is a parasitic disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Infection by Schistosoma mansoni in humans results when cercariae emerge into water from freshwater snails in the genus Biomphalaria and seek out and penetrate human skin. The snail Biomphalaria straminea is native to South America and is now also present in Central America and China, and represents a potential vector host for spreading schistosomiasis. To date, genomic information for the genus is restricted to the neotropical species Biomphalaria glabrata. This limits understanding of the biology and management of other schistosomiasis vectors, such as B. straminea. FINDINGS Using a combination of Illumina short-read, 10X Genomics linked-read, and Hi-C sequencing data, our 1.005 Gb B. straminea genome assembly is of high contiguity, with a scaffold N50 of 25.3 Mb. Transcriptomes from adults were also obtained. Developmental homeobox genes, hormonal genes, and stress-response genes were identified, and repeat content was annotated (40.68% of genomic content). Comparisons with other mollusc genomes (including Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Cephalopoda) revealed syntenic conservation, patterns of homeobox gene linkage indicative of evolutionary changes to gene clusters, expansion of heat shock protein genes, and the presence of sesquiterpenoid and cholesterol metabolic pathway genes in Gastropoda. In addition, hormone treatment together with RT-qPCR assay reveal a sesquiterpenoid hormone responsive system in B. straminea, illustrating that this renowned insect hormonal system is also present in the lophotrochozoan lineage. CONCLUSION This study provides the first genome assembly for the snail B. straminea and offers an unprecedented opportunity to address a variety of phenomena related to snail vectors of schistosomiasis, as well as evolutionary and genomics questions related to molluscs more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Science, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yifei Yu
- School of Life Science, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Madeleine E Aase-Remedios
- The Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Marine Laboratory, School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Yichun Xie
- School of Life Science, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Lok So
- School of Life Science, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiqian Li
- School of Life Science, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheuk Fung Wong
- School of Life Science, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Sean T S Law
- School of Life Science, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheung Yee Lai
- School of Life Science, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | - Shan-Shan Chen
- Institute of Agro-food Standard and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Peng Kai
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | | | | | - David E K Ferrier
- The Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Marine Laboratory, School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Jerome H L Hui
- School of Life Science, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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15
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Davison A, Neiman M. Mobilizing molluscan models and genomes in biology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200163. [PMID: 33813892 PMCID: PMC8059959 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Molluscs are among the most ancient, diverse, and important of all animal taxa. Even so, no individual mollusc species has emerged as a broadly applied model system in biology. We here make the case that both perceptual and methodological barriers have played a role in the relative neglect of molluscs as research organisms. We then summarize the current application and potential of molluscs and their genomes to address important questions in animal biology, and the state of the field when it comes to the availability of resources such as genome assemblies, cell lines, and other key elements necessary to mobilising the development of molluscan model systems. We conclude by contending that a cohesive research community that works together to elevate multiple molluscan systems to 'model' status will create new opportunities in addressing basic and applied biological problems, including general features of animal evolution. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Molluscan genomics: broad insights and future directions for a neglected phylum'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Davison
- School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Maurine Neiman
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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16
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Pinaud S, Tetreau G, Poteaux P, Galinier R, Chaparro C, Lassalle D, Portet A, Simphor E, Gourbal B, Duval D. New Insights Into Biomphalysin Gene Family Diversification in the Vector Snail Biomphalaria glabrata. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635131. [PMID: 33868258 PMCID: PMC8047071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerolysins initially characterized as virulence factors in bacteria are increasingly found in massive genome and transcriptome sequencing data from metazoans. Horizontal gene transfer has been demonstrated as the main way of aerolysin-related toxins acquisition in metazoans. However, only few studies have focused on their potential biological functions in such organisms. Herein, we present an extensive characterization of a multigene family encoding aerolysins - named biomphalysin - in Biomphalaria glabrata snail, the intermediate host of the trematode Schistosoma mansoni. Our results highlight that duplication and domestication of an acquired bacterial toxin gene in the snail genome result in the acquisition of a novel and diversified toxin family. Twenty-three biomphalysin genes were identified. All are expressed and exhibited a tissue-specific expression pattern. An in silico structural analysis was performed to highlight the central role played by two distinct domains i) a large lobe involved in the lytic function of these snail toxins which constrained their evolution and ii) a small lobe which is structurally variable between biomphalysin toxins and that matched to various functional domains involved in moiety recognition of targets cells. A functional approach suggests that the repertoire of biomphalysins that bind to pathogens, depends on the type of pathogen encountered. These results underline a neo-and sub-functionalization of the biomphalysin toxins, which have the potential to increase the range of effectors in the snail’s immune arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvain Pinaud
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Guillaume Tetreau
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Pierre Poteaux
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Richard Galinier
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Cristian Chaparro
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Damien Lassalle
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Anaïs Portet
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Elodie Simphor
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Benjamin Gourbal
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - David Duval
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.,CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
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17
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Stroehlein AJ, Korhonen PK, Rollinson D, Stothard JR, Hall RS, Gasser RB, Young ND. Bulinus truncatus transcriptome – a resource to enable molecular studies of snail and schistosome biology. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100015. [PMID: 35284899 PMCID: PMC8906107 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, molecular investigations of snail intermediate hosts that transmit parasitic trematodes are scant. Here, we report the first transcriptome for Bulinus truncatus – a key intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium – a blood fluke that causes urogenital schistosomiasis in humans. We assembled this transcriptome from short- and long-read RNA-sequence data. From this transcriptome, we predicted 12,998 proteins, 58% of which had orthologs in Biomphalaria glabrata – an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni – a blood fluke that causes hepato-intestinal schistosomiasis. We predicted that select protein groups are involved in signal transduction, cell growth and death, the immune system, environmental adaptation and/or the excretory/secretory system, suggesting roles in immune responses, pathogen defence and/or parasite-host interactions. The transcriptome of Bu. truncatus provides a useful resource to underpin future molecular investigations of this and related snail species, and its interactions with pathogens including S. haematobium. The present resource should enable comparative investigations of other molluscan hosts of socioeconomically important parasites in the future. First transcriptome to represent Bulinus truncatus – a snail intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium. Select protein groups of Bu. truncatus are inferred to associate with innate immune responses against pathogens. Transcriptome provides a resource for future studies of parasite-host interactions and snail-host resistance to pathogens.
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