RNA interference in schistosomes: machinery and methodology.
Parasitology
; 137(3): 485-95, 2010 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19765345
ABSTRACT
RNA interference (RNAi) is a potent gene silencing process that is playing an increasingly important role in investigations of gene function in schistosomes. Here we review what is known about the process in these parasites and provide an update on the methodology and machinery of RNAi. Data are presented to demonstrate that (1) not all schistosome genes can be suppressed to the same extent, using the methods employed here; (2) while there is variation in the level of suppression achieved for one target gene (SmAP) in adult parasites, all individuals exhibit robust (>80%) suppression; (3) short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can effect suppression when delivered by soaking (and not just via electroporation, as reported previously); (4) Male/female adult pairs need not be separated prior to siRNA delivery by electroporation for effective gene suppression in both genders and (5) electroporation of siRNAs in medium is as efficient as in commercial electroporation buffer. Regarding the machinery of RNAi in schistosomes, a homologue of the C. elegans multi-membrane spanning, RNA importing protein SID-1 is identified in silico. The gene encoding this protein contains 21 exons and spans over 50 kb to potentially encode a 115,556 Mr protein (SmSID-1). These analyses, and a review of the literature, permit us to derive and present here a draft of potential RNAi pathways in schistosomes.
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Schistosoma
/
Perfilação da Expressão Gênica
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Interferência de RNA
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Parasitology
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos