Gene Expression in Snails Exposed to Schistosoma mansoni
Author Information
Author(s): Lockyer Anne E, Spinks Jenny, Kane Richard A, Hoffmann Karl F, Fitzpatrick Jennifer M, Rollinson David, Noble Leslie R, Jones Catherine S
Primary Institution: Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, London, UK
Hypothesis
Differential gene expression between schistosome-resistant and susceptible snail lines will identify genes involved in snail defenses.
Conclusion
The study identified 98 differentially expressed genes in resistant snails, providing insights into their internal defense mechanisms against Schistosoma mansoni.
Supporting Evidence
- 98 differentially expressed genes were identified, with 94 associated with resistance.
- 61% of the identified genes had no known function.
- Quantitative PCR confirmed the microarray results for selected transcripts.
Takeaway
The researchers looked at how snails react to a parasite and found many genes that help them fight it off.
Methodology
A cDNA microarray was constructed and used to analyze gene expression in snail haemocytes after exposure to the parasite.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in gene selection due to reliance on specific libraries for microarray construction.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a limited number of time points and may not capture all relevant gene expression changes.
Participant Demographics
Snails from two strains: resistant (NHM3017) and susceptible (NHM1742).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
99%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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