Identification and characterization of microRNAs in Biomphalaria tenagophila and comparative analysis of their expression in Schistosoma mansoni-resistant and -susceptible snail populations

• Published in: Gene 2023-10, Vol.884, p.147742-147742, Article 147742
• Main Authors: Alves, Tamires Caixeta, Queiroz, Fábio Ribeiro, de Melo Neto, Angelo Borges, da Rocha Fernandes, Gabriel, Pais, Fabiano Sviatopolk-Mirsky, de Jesus Jeremias, Wander, Babá, Elio Hideo, de Moraes Mourão, Marina, Morais, Enyara Rezende, Cabral, Fernanda Janku, do Amaral, Laurence Rodrigues, Caldeira, Roberta Lima, Zech Coelho, Paulo Marcos, de Souza Gomes, Matheus
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomphalaria; Differential expression; miRNAs; Schistosomiasis
• ISSN: 0378-1119; 1879-0038
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147742

[Display omitted] •Discovery of three miRNAs specific to mollusks, exhibiting significant expression levels in Small RNA-seq analysis.•MIR-1984 displayed higher expression levels in the resistant population compared to the susceptible population at the 4-h time after infection.•No miRNAs were differentially expressed in the comprehensive model, suggesting that the resistance of the Taim is inherent and constitutive. Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma and affects over 240 million people worldwide. One of the most prominent causative agents is Schistosoma mansoni, which develops inside the intermediate host. Biomphalaria tenagophila is the second most important vector of schistosomiasis in Brazil and the Taim population is completely resistant to infection by S. mansoni. This study aims to identify and characterize B. tenagophila microRNAs (miRNAs) and evaluate their differential expression in S. mansoni-susceptible and -resistant populations of B. tenagophila. Two populations of B. tenagophila snails, susceptible and resistant to S. mansoni infection, were used to investigate the small RNA response of these snails after being infected with the parasite. Small RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR were employed to identify and validate differentially expressed miRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis were performed to identify miRNA precursors and mature and evaluate their differential expression. The study predicted 173 mature miRNAs and 123 precursors. Among them were six Lophotrochozoa-specific miRNAs, three mollusk-specific miRNAs, and six pre-miRNAs in a cluster. The small RNA sequencing and RT-PCR of B. tenagophila samples allowed assessing the expression patterns of miRNAs. The results obtained may support future studies in Biomphalaria spp., generating a global impact on disease control.