Analysis of Schistosoma japonicum from pairing to maturation based on iTRAQ proteomics
January 8th, 2024
Schistosomiasis, which is caused by the schistosome worm, poses significant health challenges. Understanding the sexual development and maturation of schistosomes would provide valuable insight for preventing the transmission of schistosomiasis and pathologic damage to the host.
Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomics was performed to monitor the dynamic proteomic profiles in Schistosoma japonicum during development from pairing to maturation. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments were used to elucidate sex-biased gene function.
The study is published in the journal Zoonoses.
Of the 2,927 identified proteins, 58.6% showed differential expression after comparing sexes and developmental stages. Both male and female worms displayed a similar number of gender-differentially expressed proteins after pairing. However, these proteins exhibited significant gender-specific functions, with reproduction central in females, while males were enriched in metabolic processes.
Females exhibited 73% of their time-variant protein expression during the period 22–26 days post-infection (dpi), while males had 62% during 18–22 dpi, indicating earlier maturation in males. Functional analysis revealed different peptidases expressed during male and female development and maturation. Sex-biased SjU2AF exhaustion led to worm development delay, abnormal reproductive organ development, and death.
Comparative proteomics enhances our understanding of mechanisms underlying schistosome maturation and reveals a new potential target for chemotherapy and vaccines.
More information:
Wen-Bin Yang et al, Comparative Analysis of Schistosoma japonicum from Pairing-to-Sexual Maturation based on iTRAQ Proteomics, Zoonoses (2024). DOI: 10.15212/ZOONOSES-2023-0049
Provided by Compuscript Ltd