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Identification and localization of a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone‐related neuropeptide in Biomphalaria , an intermediate host for schistosomiasis
Author(s) -
RosaCasillas Mariela,
Jesús Paola Méndez,
Vicente Rodríguez Laura C.,
Habib Mohamed R.,
Croll Roger P.,
Miller Mark W.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of comparative neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 209
eISSN - 1096-9861
pISSN - 0021-9967
DOI - 10.1002/cne.25099
Subject(s) - biomphalaria glabrata , biology , biomphalaria , schistosoma mansoni , ovotestis , intermediate host , neuropeptide , snail , trematoda , schistosoma , zoology , gonad , schistosomiasis , helminths , anatomy , host (biology) , ecology , genetics , receptor
Freshwater snails of the genus Biomphalaria serve as obligatory hosts for the digenetic trematode Schistosoma mansoni , the causative agent for the most widespread form of intestinal schistosomiasis. Within Biomphalaria , S . mansoni larvae multiply and transform into the cercariae form that can infect humans. Trematode development and proliferation is thought to be facilitated by modifications of host behavior and physiological processes, including a reduction of reproduction known as “parasitic castration.” As neuropeptides participate in the control of reproduction across phylogeny, a neural transcriptomics approach was undertaken to identify peptides that could regulate Biomphalaria reproductive physiology. The present study identified a transcript in Biomphalaria alexandrina that encodes a peptide belonging to the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) superfamily. The precursor and the predicted mature peptide, pQIHFTPDWGNN‐NH 2 (designated Biom ‐GnRH), share features with peptides identified in other molluscan species, including panpulmonates, opisthobranchs, and cephalopods. An antibody generated against Biom ‐GnRH labeled neurons in the cerebral, pedal, and visceral ganglia of Biomphalaria glabrata . GnRH‐like immunoreactive fiber systems projected to all central ganglia. In the periphery, immunoreactive material was detected in the ovotestis, oviduct, albumen gland, and nidamental gland. As these structures serve crucial roles in the production, transport, nourishment, and encapsulation of eggs, disruption of the GnRH system of Biomphalaria could contribute to reduced reproductive activity in infected snails.