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The adult Schistosoma mansoni cDNA clone 10-3 encodes an antigen that is recognized by sera from infected humans. We characterized multiple developmentally regulated transcripts homologous to the 10-3 cDNA and portions of the complex genomic loci encoding those transcripts. Transcripts of approximately 950, 870, and 780 nucleotides were expressed in adults, whereas only the 780-nucleotide transcript was observed in the larval stage. These transcripts were highly similar, containing variable numbers of identical direct tandem repeats of 81 bases. Although the sequence of the repeating elements and sequences 3' to them were identical in ali the transcripts, sequences 5' of the repeating elements exhibited variations, including a 27-base insertion, alternative start sites for transcription, and alternate 5' exon usage. These transcripts appeared to be derived in part by the developmentally controlled alternative splicing of small exons and the use of alternative transcription initiation sites from the one or two complex loci of at least 40 kilobase pairs. Each 81-base repeat in the transcripts was encoded by three dispersed 27-base-pair exons. These 27-base-pair exons were contained within highly conserved, reiterated 3-kilobase-pair genomic tandem arrays.

To understand mechanisms involved in sex-specific gene expression in Schistosoma mansoni, a cDNA (fs800) was isolated that hybridized to an 800 nucleotide mRNA present in high levels only in mature female worms. The fs800 cDNA sequence was characterized by two long open reading frames and central stretches of repeated amino acids. Fs800 did not share similarities with other known sequences in computer searches. In situ hybridization, however, revealed that the mRNA corresponding to fs800 was found only in female vitelline cells, suggesting that the product of this gene may be involved in the production or function of eggs. Fs800 is developmentally regulated as expression of this gene is dependent on the maturity of female worms. Furthermore, during in vitro culture, when female worms are known to stop egg production, expression of fs800 selectively ceased.

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