Gene Atlasing of Digestive and Reproductive Tissues in Schistosoma mansoni
2011

Gene Atlasing of Schistosoma mansoni Tissues

Sample size: 30 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nawaratna Sujeevi S. K., McManus Donald P., Moertel Luke, Gobert Geoffrey N., Jones Malcolm K.

Primary Institution: Queensland Institute of Medical Research

Hypothesis

A transcriptomic study of individual tissues and organs of schistosomes could play an important role in functional annotation of the unknown genes.

Conclusion

This study provides the first detailed transcriptomic analysis of the reproductive tissues and gastrodermis of Schistosoma mansoni, aiding in the identification of new drug and vaccine targets.

Supporting Evidence

  • 393 genes were up-regulated two-fold or more in the gastrodermis.
  • 4,450 genes were up-regulated in the ovary.
  • 2,171 genes were up-regulated in the testes.
  • The study provides insights into the potential roles of these molecules in parasite development and reproduction.

Takeaway

Researchers studied the genes in different parts of a parasite called Schistosoma mansoni to understand how they work and find new ways to treat infections.

Methodology

The study used laser microdissection microscopy and oligonucleotide microarray analysis to quantify gene expression in various tissues.

Potential Biases

The use of pooled samples may introduce bias in the representation of gene expression.

Limitations

The study's reliance on pooled samples may limit the impact of individual variation on gene expression.

Participant Demographics

The study involved Schistosoma mansoni maintained in mice and snails.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pntd.0001043

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