Manipulating the manipulators: advances in parasitic helminth transgenesis and RNAi

Trends Parasitol. 2007 May;23(5):197-204. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.03.007. Epub 2007 Mar 23.

Abstract

Because tropical medicine and parasitology research has moved into the postgenomic era, an enormous amount of gene sequence information for parasitic helminths is now accumulating. These sequences undoubtedly hold information that can be used for new interventions and control. However, to exploit the new resource, methods for gene manipulation and transformation of parasitic worms are needed. Until recently, gene manipulation approaches had not been seriously addressed. This situation is now changing in response to the availability of genome sequences and other advances. In this article, we review advances in the transgenesis and gene silencing of parasitic worms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Genes, Helminth*
  • Genetic Techniques
  • Helminths / genetics*
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Helminth / genetics
  • Schistosoma / genetics
  • Transfection*

Substances

  • RNA, Helminth