Exploring the genome-wide transcriptomic responses of Bulinus truncatus to Schistosoma haematobium infection: An important host-parasite system involved in the transmission of human urogenital schistosomiasis

Bibliographic Information
Authors: Habib M.R.; Posavi M.; Lekired A.; Zhang S.-M.
Journal: Molecular Immunology
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Publication Date: November 2024
Volume / Issue: Volume 175
Pages: 74–88
ISSN: 1615890
DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.09.006
Scopus: View on Scopus
PubMed: 39307031
Document Type: Article
Access: All Open Access; Green Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access
Authors and Affiliations
Habib M.R., Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, NM, United States, Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt; Posavi M., Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, NM, United States; Lekired A., Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, NM, United States; Zhang S.-M., Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, NM, United States
Abstract
Freshwater snails of the genus Bulinus are critical hosts for Schistosoma haematobium, the causative agent of urogenital schistosomiasis. Among the 37 recognized Bulinus species, B. truncatus is a key vector. Using RNA sequencing (RNAseq), we investigated the genome-wide transcriptional responses of B. truncatus to S. haematobium infection. Our findings suggest that snails employ a complex defense strategy against the parasites by up-regulating genes involved in immune response, stress reaction, structural integrity, metabolism, and detoxification. In response, schistosome parasites appear to manipulate the snail's defense system, as evidenced by the suppression of immune-related genes such as ficolin, peptidoglycan recognition protein, and C-type lectin domain-containing protein genes. The down-regulation of biomphalysin 9, compared to its function in Biomphalaria glabrata, indicates divergent immune strategies among snail hosts. Additionally, we compared transcriptome profiles between embryos and juveniles, providing insights into developmental processes. This study offers valuable genomic data for Bulinus snails, illuminating the molecular interactions between bulinids and schistosomes, and advancing our understanding of their developmental biology. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords
Bulinus truncatus; Differential gene expression; RNA sequencing; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosomiasis; Animals; Bulinus; Gene Expression Profiling; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Transcriptome; bile salt export pump; blood clotting factor; cytochrome P450; DNA directed DNA polymerase alpha; early growth response factor 3; fresh water; glutamate synthase; organic anion transporter 10; organic cation transporter; peptidoglycan recognition protein; solute carrier protein; Article; blood cell; cell structure; controlled study; developmental biology; differential expression analysis; embryo development; energy conservation; host parasite interaction; human; illumina sequencing; immune response; immune-related gene; library; molecular interaction; nonhuman; physiological stress; quality control; upregulation; animal; genetics; immunology; parasitology
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 11
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