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Sheng S, Chen B, Xu R, Han Y, Mao D, Chen Y, Li C, Su W, Hu X, Zhao Q, Lowe S, Huang Y, Shao W, Yao Y. A prognostic model for Schistosoma japonicum infection-associated liver hepatocellular carcinoma: strengthening the connection through initial biological experiments. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:10. [PMID: 38515119 PMCID: PMC10956344 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00569-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have shown that Schistosoma japonicum infection correlates with an increased risk of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). However, data regarding the role of this infection in LIHC oncogenesis are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis associated with Schistosoma japonicum infection. METHODS By examining chronic liver disease as a mediator, we identified the genes contributing to Schistosoma japonicum infection and LIHC. We selected 15 key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and random survival forest models. Consensus clustering revealed two subgroups with distinct prognoses. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Cox regression identified six prognostic DEGs, forming an Schistosoma japonicum infection-associated signature for strong prognosis prediction. This signature, which is an independent LIHC risk factor, was significantly correlated with clinical variables. Four DEGs, including BMI1, were selected based on their protein expression levels in cancerous and normal tissues. We confirmed BMI1's role in LIHC using Schistosoma japonicum-infected mouse models and molecular experiments. RESULTS We identified a series of DEGs that mediate schistosomiasis, the parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection, and hepatocarcinogenesis, and constructed a suitable prognostic model. We analyzed the mechanisms by which these DEGs regulate disease and present the differences in prognosis between the different genotypes. Finally, we verified our findings using molecular biology experiments. CONCLUSION Bioinformatics and molecular biology analyses confirmed a relationship between schistosomiasis and liver hepatocellular cancer. Furthermore, we validated the role of a potential oncoprotein factor that may be associated with infection and carcinogenesis. These findings enhance our understanding of Schistosoma japonicum infection's role in LIHC carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Sheng
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Bangjie Chen
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ruiyao Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yanxun Han
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Deshen Mao
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuerong Chen
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Conghan Li
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenzhuo Su
- Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xinyang Hu
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Scott Lowe
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64106, USA
| | - Yuting Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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You Y, Chen X, Huo L, Chen L, Chen G, Gu M, Yi C, Wang J, Hu W. An improved medium for in vitro studies of female reproduction and oviposition in Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:116. [PMID: 38454463 PMCID: PMC10918852 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06191-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a disease primarily caused by eggs laid by pathogens called schistosomes. Among the schistosome species infecting humans, Schistosoma japonicum possesses the largest fecundity; each adult female produces an average of 3500 eggs per day. The lack of proper culture conditions supporting continuous oviposition in vitro has precluded detailed investigation of mechanisms regulating sexual maturation and egg production in Schistosoma japonicum. METHODS We optimized in vitro culture conditions by replacing reagents that are part of the classical ABC169 medium. Fast Blue BB staining and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) labeling were applied to observe the sexual development status of the females. In vitro RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to validate the capability of the modified medium. The detection of male β-alanyl-tryptamine (BATT) was conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RESULTS Both m-AB169 (1640) and AB169 (1640) media are capable of facilitating the sexual development of paired virgin female S. japonicum, as well as sustaining the mature reproductive organs and egg production of adult S. japonicum for at least 22 days in vitro. M-AB169 (1640) provided a more stable condition for supporting the sexual maturity of female S. japonicum, as evidenced by the consistent initiation of egg production compared with AB169 (1640). Through a comparative analysis of S. japonicum and S. mansoni in diverse media, we demonstrated that these closely related species display distinct demands for their sexual development and egg production, suggesting a potential influence of nutritional factors on the observed variations in host ranges among different schistosome species. Importantly, we successfully identified the presence of the pheromone β-alanyl-tryptamine (BATT) in S. japonicum, previously identified in S. mansoni, highlighting its conserved role in schistosome reproductive development. Through the employment of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment to silence two genes that are involved in either the male (gli1, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1) or female (vf1, vitellogenic factor 1) side in male-induced female reproductive development of S. mansoni, we confirmed that the combination of m-AB169 (1640) and RNAi technology has the capacity to facilitate in vitro studies of S. japonicum's reproductive and oviposition processes. CONCLUSIONS We developed a novel medium, m-AB169 (1640), that not only maintains the mature reproductive organs and continuous oviposition of adult female Schistosoma japonicum for up to 22 days but also supports the reproductive development and subsequent egg-laying of virgin females after pairing with male worms. This study provides a valuable in vitro platform for functional studies of the mechanisms underlying the fascinating biology of the female sexual development and egg production of S. japonicum, which may accelerate the development of new strategies targeting schistosome egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin You
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lele Huo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Longlong Chen
- Metabonomics and Systems Biology Laboratory at Shanghai International Centre for Molecular Phenomics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gongwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjie Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cun Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jipeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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Nursafingi A, Widjaja J, Widayati AN, Kurniawan A, Lobo LT, Rauf A, Mananta O, Pangaribuan HU. Spatial Cluster Change of Schistosoma japonicum Transmission Foci in Indonesia During the Schistosomiasis Elimination Program. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:759-768. [PMID: 38416327 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00802-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Government of Indonesia committed to eliminating schistosomiasis by 2025. Collaboratively snail control became one of the crucial strategies to ensure that the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in Oncomelania hupensis lindoensis reaches zero by the end of the program. This research investigated the spatial cluster change of S. japonicum transmission foci in Indonesia between 2017 and 2021. METHODS We mapped the snail foci, collected the snails, and calculated the snail density. We also conducted laboratory tests to detect the existence of cercariae in the snails. Identified infected snails were used to calculate the infection rate (IR) or snails' prevalence of schistosome cercariae among freshwater snails. We then analysed the spatial cluster using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to identify the hot and cold spots. RESULTS The 5-year schistosomiasis elimination program successfully declined 18.84% of the snail foci and reduced 40.37% of the infected snail foci. Local spatial autocorrelation of snail density and infection rate identified that in 2017 and 2021, the number of cold spots decreased by 53.91% and 0%, while hot spots increased by 2.63% and 56.1%. The presence of more hot spots suggests a rise in the number of foci with high snail density and infection rates. The implementation of snail control was not optimal, and the parasite transmission through domestic animals still existed, causing the spatial cluster of hot spots to change during this period. Most hotspots have been observed near settlements, primarily in cocoa plantations, developed and deserted rice fields, grassland, and bush wetlands. CONCLUSION During the schistosomiasis elimination program, the number of hot spots increased while cold spots decreased, and there were notable changes in the geographical distribution of hot spots, indicating a shift in the clustering pattern of schistosomiasis cases. The findings become essential for policymakers, particularly in selecting priority areas for intervention. In the Discussion section, we demonstrated the selection process based on the existence of hot and cold spots. Furthermore, we proposed that enhancing cross-sector integration is crucial, particularly in connection with the management of S. japonicum transmission through domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afi Nursafingi
- Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia.
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Junus Widjaja
- Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Anis Nur Widayati
- Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ade Kurniawan
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Leonardo Taruk Lobo
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Abdul Rauf
- Central Sulawesi Health Provincial Office, Palu, Indonesia
| | | | - Helena Ullyartha Pangaribuan
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Center for Biomedical Research, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Liu Q, Duan L, Guo YH, Yang LM, Zhang Y, Li SZ, Lv S, Hu W, Chen NS, Zhou XN. Chromosome-level genome assembly of Oncomelania hupensis: the intermediate snail host of Schistosoma japonicum. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:19. [PMID: 38414088 PMCID: PMC10898136 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01187-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma japonicum is a parasitic flatworm that causes human schistosomiasis, which is a significant cause of morbidity in China, the Philippines and Indonesia. Oncomelania hupensis (Gastropoda: Pomatiopsidae) is the unique intermediate host of S. japonicum. A complete genome sequence of O. hupensis will enable the fundamental understanding of snail biology as well as its co-evolution with the S. japonicum parasite. Assembling a high-quality reference genome of O. hupehensis will provide data for further research on the snail biology and controlling the spread of S. japonicum. METHODS The draft genome was de novo assembly using the long-read sequencing technology (PacBio Sequel II) and corrected with Illumina sequencing data. Then, using Hi-C sequencing data, the genome was assembled at the chromosomal level. CAFE was used to do analysis of contraction and expansion of the gene family and CodeML module in PAML was used for positive selection analysis in protein coding sequences. RESULTS A total length of 1.46 Gb high-quality O. hupensis genome with 17 unique full-length chromosomes (2n = 34) of the individual including a contig N50 of 1.35 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 75.08 Mb. Additionally, 95.03% of these contig sequences were anchored in 17 chromosomes. After scanning the assembled genome, a total of 30,604 protein-coding genes were predicted. Among them, 86.67% were functionally annotated. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed that O. hupensis was separated from a common ancestor of Pomacea canaliculata and Bellamya purificata approximately 170 million years ago. Comparing the genome of O. hupensis with its most recent common ancestor, it showed 266 significantly expanded and 58 significantly contracted gene families (P < 0.05). Functional enrichment of the expanded gene families indicated that they were mainly involved with intracellular, DNA-mediated transposition, DNA integration and transposase activity. CONCLUSIONS Integrated use of multiple sequencing technologies, we have successfully constructed the genome at the chromosomal-level of O. hupensis. These data will not only provide the compressive genomic information, but also benefit future work on population genetics of this snail as well as evolutional studies between S. japonicum and the snail host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Liu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Duan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hai Guo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Min Yang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Zhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Lv
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hu
- School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan-Sheng Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
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