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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 15451 |
Journal | Nature Communications |
Volume | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | First published - 16 May 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Animal Communication
- Animals
- Biomphalaria/genetics
- DNA Transposable Elements
- Evolution, Molecular
- Fresh Water
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genome
- Host-Parasite Interactions
- Pheromones
- Proteome
- Schistosoma mansoni
- Schistosomiasis mansoni/transmission
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Stress, Physiological