Abstract
We have established an in vitro culture system for adult schistosomes that allows monitoring gene expression for up to more than ten days. Comparing female worms that are paired with those that have been separated, we find distinct differences, clearly documenting an influence of the male in female gene expression. In perfect coincidence with classical observations that were based on histological techniques, we find that the male particularly regulates gene expression in those tissues that are characterized by cell proliferation, e.g. the vitellaria. From these results, we hypothesize that the key target for the inductive signal that is transferred from the male to the female during pairing is the activation of a growth factor that stimulates mitotic proliferation.
Schistosoma mansoni; in vitro culture; gene expression; male; female interaction
Schistosoma mansoni: control of female fertility by the male
Werner Kunz1
Lutz Gohr1
Christoph Grevelding1
Peter Schüssler1
Gabriele Sommer1
Marion Menrath1
Anja Michel1
University and Biological-Medical Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Düsseldorf, Germany
We have established an in vitro culture system for adult schistosomes that allows monitoring gene expression for up to more than ten days. Comparing female worms that are paired with those that have been separated, we find distinct differences, clearly documenting an influence of the male in female gene expression. In perfect coincidence with classical observations that were based on histological techniques, we find that the male particularly regulates gene expression in those tissues that are characterized by cell proliferation, e.g. the vitellaria. From these results, we hypothesize that the key target for the inductive signal that is transferred from the male to the female during pairing is the activation of a growth factor that stimulates mitotic proliferation.
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Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
01 June 2009 -
Date of issue
Apr 1995