Proteomic studies of male and female Schistosoma mansoni adult worms

Author(s)

Camila Macêdo Ribeiro

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC/BT)
• Defense date: 2011-04-11

Examining board members

Ricardo De Marco; Glória Regina Franco; Luciana Cezar de Cerqueira Leite

• Advisor: Ricardo De Marco

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects approximately 200 million people around the world, occurring in America, Africa, the Antilles, Middle East and Near East, besides Southeast Asia. The species found in Brazil is Schistosoma mansoni, the typical treatment being administration of either Praziquantel or Oxamniquine. Although, the infection characteristics of this disease is associated with poor sanitation and hardened socio-economic conditions, resulting in high reinfection rates, which motivates the search for antihelmintic drugs and vaccines that overcome this situation. In this study proteomics techniques are used in the search of proteins potencially involved in the differentiation of individuals of both sexes, in the interactions between them and between the worms and the host. Samples of worm syncytium and adult whole worms of both male and female are studied by two-dimentional electrophoresis, while low molecular weight syncytium proteins from male and female adult worms were investigated by gel-LC. The differential protein expression in the syncytium investigated by gel-LC was analyzed statistically, being detected 5 proteins most abundant in males, and 2 in females, while 6 were identified solely on males and 21 on females. The information concerning protein differential expression allows the investigation of survival strategies developed evolutionarily by these parasites. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/02283-1 - Proteomic study of male and female worms from Schistosoma mansoni
• Grantee: Camila Macêdo Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master