Comparative real-time PCR and enzyme analysis of selected gender-associated molecules in Schistosoma japonicum.
Schistosomes are complex parasitic helminths with discrete life-cycle stages, adapted for survival in their mammalian and snail hosts and the external aquatic environment. Recently, we described the fabrication and use of a microarray to investigate gender-specific transcription in Schistosoma japonicum. To address transcriptional differences, 8 gender-associated gene transcripts identified previously by the microarray analysis were selected for further study. First, differential transcription patterns were investigated in 4 developmental stages using real-time PCR. Subsequently, we undertook functional analysis of a subset of 4 transcripts encoding metabolic enzymes, so as to correlate gender-associated transcript levels with enzyme activity in protein extracts from adult worms. The 8 characterized molecules serve as a basis for further investigation of differential gene expression during the schistosome life-cycle and for studying the sexual dimorphism of adult worms. Continual refinement and annotation of the microarray used in the current study should support future work on these aspects.
Moertel
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L
Queensland Institute of Medical Research, and Australian Centre for International Health and Nutrition, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia.
Gobert
G N
GN
McManus
D P
DP
D000818:Animals; D018509:DNA, Helminth / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012549:Schistosoma japonicum / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development*; D012554:Schistosomiasis japonica / Q000469:parasitology; D012737:Sex Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D018509:DNA, Helminth; D015801:Helminth Proteins