Biology ETDs
Publication Date
Fall 12-31-2020
Abstract
Biomphalaria snails serve as vectors for Schistosoma mansoni, a trematode causing human schistosomiasis. Control of Schistosoma mansoni involves chemotherapy of affected people, but new control methods built on improved understanding of schistosome-snail interactions are needed. My dissertation applies molecular and bioinformatics approaches to understand such interactions. Chapter 1 shows that significant differences exist among Biomphalaria species in Africa with respect to their ability to support schistosome development. Chapters 2 and 3 reveal the transcriptional responses of Biomphalaria glabrata susceptible (SUS) or resistant (RES) to Schistosoma mansoni. Chapter 2 identifies a new family of snail immune factors, the AIG family of GTPases, and highlights striking differences between SUS and RES snails in their responses to Schistosoma mansoni. Chapter 3 examines the snail FReD gene family and identifies a prominent response to Schistosoma mansoni in RES but not SUS snails. This dissertation identifies snail molecules potentially conferring resistance against schistosomes for future control efforts.
Language
English
Keywords
Biomphalaria glabrata, Schistosoma mansoni, Mollusca, Gene expression, GIMAP, FREP
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Biology
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
UNM Biology Department
First Committee Member (Chair)
Dr. Coen Adema
Second Committee Member
Dr. Eric S. Loker
Third Committee Member
Dr. Si-Ming Zhang
Fourth Committee Member
Dr. Maria Castillo
Recommended Citation
Lu, Lijun. "MOLECULAR STUDIES ON THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN BIOMPHALARIA SNAILS AND SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI." (2020). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biol_etds/372