Whole genome analysis of a schistosomiasis-transmitting freshwater snail.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 28508897.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/ncomms15451 and PMC identifier 5440852.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Biomphalaria snails are instrumental in transmission of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. With the World Health Organization's goal to eliminate schistosomiasis as a global health problem by 2025, there is now renewed emphasis on snail control. Here, we characterize the genome of Biomphalaria glabrata, a lophotrochozoan protostome, and provide timely and important information on snail biology. We describe aspects of phero-perception, stress responses, immune function and regulation of gene expression that support the persistence of B. glabrata in the field and may define this species as a suitable snail host for S. mansoni. We identify several potential targets for developing novel control measures aimed at reducing snail-mediated transmission of schistosomiasis.
Medical subject headings
- Biomphalaria
- Genome
- Schistosomiasis mansoni