Biology ETDs

Publication Date

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.

Project Sponsors

NIH P30 GM110907, R01 AI101438, R37AI101438 grants, a Gates Grand Challenges Award, and the Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology (CETI) supported by NIH COBRE award 5P30GM110907-05

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)

Coenraad M. Adema

Second Committee Member

Eric S. Loker

Third Committee Member

Si-Ming Zhang

Fourth Committee Member

Maria Castillo

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