A member of the CAP protein superfamily, Hc-CAP-15, is important for the parasitic-stage development of Haemonchus contortus

Abstract

Background The CAP superfamily proteins are distributed widely in eukaryotes and play crucial roles in various biological processes. However, very little is known about their functions in parasitic nematodes, including Haemonchus contortus, a socioeconomically important parasitic nematode. We have therefore studied a member of the CAP protein family of H. contortus, named Hc-CAP-15, with the aim to explore its roles in regulating the parasitic developmental process. Methods The conservation and phylogenetic relationships, spatial expression and temporal transcription profiles of Hc-CAP/cap-15, as well its biological function during parasite development were investigated using bioinformatics, immunofluorescence, real-time PCR and RNA interference (RNAi). Results Hc-CAP-15 was found to be a single-domain CAP protein consisting of four conserved motifs that is localized in the cuticle, intestine and oocyte of adult worms. Hc-cap-15 was transcribed at all developmental stages of H. contortus, with the highest transcription level in parasitic fourth-stage larvae (L4s). Silencing of Hc-cap-15 resulted in a significant increase in the body length of L4s. Conclusions The results suggested that Hc-CAP-15 is important for the development of H. contortus. Our findings provide a basis for further study of the functions of the CAP family proteins in H. contortus and related parasitic nematodes. Graphical Abstract

Inhibition of Trichinella spiralis Membrane-Associated Progesterone Receptor (MAPR) Results in a Reduction in Worm Burden

“…After 36 h, 20% FBS was added and incubated for another 24 h. PBS and siRNA-Control were used as controls. After incubation with Lipofectamine 2000 Reagent (Invitrogen, US) for 20 min [ 38 , 39 ], control siRNA or siRNA-Ts-MAPRC2 were added to larvae in a final concentration of 2 μM [ 28 ].…”

“…Twenty-five mice were divided into five groups (n = 5 per group), and each group was infected using 20,000 NBLs treated with siRNA-180, siRNA-419, siRNA-559, siRNA-Control, and PBS control according to the procedure described above [ 38 , 39 ]. At 35 dpi, the mice of each group were euthanized, and the MLs were collected by artificial digestion as described above.…”

Inhibition of Trichinella spiralis Membrane‐Associated Progesterone Receptor (MAPR) Results in the Reduction of Worm Burden

“…After 36 h, 20% FBS was added and incubated for another 24 h. PBS and siRNA-Control were used as controls. After incubation with Lipofectamine 2000 Reagent (Invitrogen, US) for 20 min [38,39], control siRNA or siRNA-Ts-MAPRC2 were added to larvae in a final concentration of 2 µM [28].…”