Single-cell RNA sequencing profiles of schistosoma japonicum during reproductive development
Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms that require male-female pairing for sexual maturation and egg production, driving schistosomiasis pathology. However, the cellular dynamics underlying this process remain poorly understood. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on 104,671 cells from male and female Schistosoma japonicum across four developmental stages, identifying 76 distinct cell populations. Our transcriptomic atlas revealed developmental trajectories of multiple cell types, particularly within the reproductive and nervous systems. Notably, we discovered three male-specific neuron populations, including delta-3 neurons located in the gynecophoric canal. We identified the lsamp gene, co-expressed with nrps in delta-3 neurons, is essential for female sexual development. Loss of lsamp impaired axonal growth and disrupted the male ventral nerve network, reducing the targeted delivery of pheromone BATT precursors to delta-3 neurons and hindering female maturation. This work provides a high-resolution cellular landscape of schistosome sexual development and suggests new strategies to disrupt parasite reproduction and control schistosomiasis.