Long non-coding RNAs as possible therapeutic targets in protozoa, and in Schistosoma and other helminths

Author(s)

Silveira, Gilbert O. ^{[1, 2]} ; Coelho, Helena S. ^[2] ; Amaral, Murilo S. ^[2] ; Verjovski-Almeida, Sergio ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim, Dept Bioquim, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Butantan, Lab Parasitol, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Parasitology Research; DEC 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerged in the past 20 years due to massive amounts of scientific data regarding transcriptomic analyses. They have been implicated in a plethora of cellular processes in higher eukaryotes. However, little is known about lncRNA possible involvement in parasitic diseases, with most studies only detecting their presence in parasites of human medical importance. Here, we review the progress on lncRNA studies and their functions in protozoans and helminths. In addition, we show an example of knockdown of one lncRNA in Schistosoma mansoni, SmLINC156349, which led to in vitro parasite adhesion, motility, and pairing impairment, with a 20% decrease in parasite viability and 33% reduction in female oviposition. Other observed phenotypes were a decrease in the proliferation rate of both male and female worms and their gonads, and reduced female lipid and vitelline droplets that are markers for well-developed vitellaria. Impairment of female worms' vitellaria in SmLINC156349-silenced worms led to egg development deficiency. All those results demonstrate the great potential of the tools and methods to characterize lncRNAs as potential new therapeutic targets. Further, we discuss the challenges and limitations of current methods for studying lncRNAs in parasites and possible solutions to overcome them, and we highlight the future directions of this exciting field. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/23693-5 - Mechanisms of action of long non-coding RNAs involved with gene activation programs in eukaryotes
• Grantee: Sergio Verjovski Almeida
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/24015-0 - Functional characterization of long non-protein coding RNAs in Schistosoma mansoni
• Grantee: Gilbert de Oliveira Silveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate