Identification and characterization of Echinococcus granulosus molecules potentially involved in survival and development

ROSENZVIT M; CAMICIA F; CUCHER M; PRADA L; GUTIERREZ A

Congreso; XXIII International Congress of Hydatidology; 2009

Identification and characterization of Echinococcus granulosus molecules potentially involved in survival and development Rosenzvit M1, Camicia F1, Cucher M1, Prada L1, Gutierrez A2 1Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 5411-59599500 ext.2192. 2 Departamento de Parasitología, ANLIS. mrosenzvit@fmed.uba.ar Echinococcus granulosus, the etiological agent of cystic hydatid disease, shows some interesting particularities like dual capacity of development. In order to study the factors that may play a role in parasite survival and development, we have established in vitro models of parasite differentiation and started to analyse parasite molecules possibly involved in these processes. Protoscoleces were able to differentially develop according to the cell line with which they were co-cultured, either to the strobilar or vesicular direction. Primary cells co-cultured with hepatocytes aggregate and form protoscolex-like structures. To shed light on one mechanism known to play critical roles in development and cell lineage decisions in other organisms, we constructed a protoscolex small RNA library to analyse the possibility of regulation of gene expression by microRNAs in Echinococcus. So far, several small RNAs with similarity to known microRNAs involved in developmental processes were detected. In addition, novel small RNAs compatible with microRNAs were also isolated. We are currently undertaking experiments to compare the expression of microRNAs throughout the parasite´s life cycle, based on the established in vitro models. Furthermore, to study parasite molecules involved in survival, we have cloned and functionally characterized amino acid transporters which could provide the parasite with essential amino acids. These transporters could also play a role in development as it was suggested by their high expression in the germinal layer, where protoscoleces are formed. We believe that the understanding of crucial processes like the development and survival of E. granulosus in the host will provide a basis for the design of improved strategies for control of hydatid disease.