Gene Discovery for the Carcinogenic Human Liver Fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini
Author Information
Author(s): Laha Thewarach, Pinlaor Porntip, Mulvenna Jason, Sripa Banchob, Sripa Manop, Smout Michael J, Gasser Robin B, Brindley Paul J, Loukas Alex
Primary Institution: Khon Kaen University
Hypothesis
What are the genetic characteristics of the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini?
Conclusion
The gene discovery for Opisthorchis viverrini will help accelerate research on cholangiocarcinogenesis and the development of new treatments.
Supporting Evidence
- Approximately 5,000 cDNAs were characterized, representing ~14% of the entire transcriptome of O. viverrini.
- Twenty percent of contigs were assigned Gene Ontology classifications.
- Abundant protein families included those essential for parasitism, such as anaerobic respiration and detoxification.
Takeaway
Scientists studied the genes of a liver fluke that can cause cancer to understand how it works and find ways to stop it.
Methodology
The study involved constructing a cDNA library and characterizing approximately 5,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from the liver fluke.
Limitations
The study's sample size was limited to the sequences available, and many contigs could not be identified.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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