title: Applications of RNA Interference in Schistosomiasis: Gene Function Identification and Development of New Therapies.
abstract: The study of Schistosoma species has undergone a dramatic change in recent years mainly due to transcriptome, proteome, and genome analyses. In order to better understand the biology of the parasite and to develop new and more efficient/specific drugs, scientists have now the task to translate genetic information into functional data. The present paper aims to review the use of RNA interference (RNAi), a versatile technique used in gene silencing, for the dissection of the cellular/molecular biology of Schistosoma spp. In addition, we will review information on the recent development of a new generation of RNA-based drugs. Examples of specific experimental approaches will be presented and discussed, such as identification of gene function, development of therapies by targeting eggs, miracidia (as a strategy for environmental use), sporocysts (for infestation control in the intermediate host), and schistosomula/adult worms (as a treatment strategy). Furthermore, some of the main advantages, drawbacks, and future directions of these new applications and techniques will also be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Languages of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (USP), 14040 901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tiago Campos
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Languages of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (USP), 14040 901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Cláudia Carolina Silva
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Evangelista
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Languages of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (USP), 14040 901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-862 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eliana Maria
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Zanotti-Magalhães
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-862 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luiz Augusto
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Magalhães
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-887 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Iscia
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lopes-Cendes