Abstract
Biomphalaria snails are instrumental in transmission of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. With the World Health Organization's goal to eliminate schistosomiasis as a global health problem by 2025, there is now renewed emphasis on snail control. Here, we characterize the genome of Biomphalaria glabrata, a lophotrochozoan protostome, and provide timely and important information on snail biology. We describe aspects of phero-perception, stress responses, immune function and regulation of gene expression that support the persistence of B. glabrata in the field and may define this species as a suitable snail host for S. mansoni. We identify several potential targets for developing novel control measures aimed at reducing snail-mediated transmission of schistosomiasis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Nature Communications |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 15451 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 16 May 2017 |
Bibliographical note
Note: Sequence characterization of the Biomphalaria glabrata genome was funded by NIH-NHGRI grant HG003079 to R.K.W., McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine.Keywords
- Biological sciences