Exploring the genome-wide transcriptomic responses of Bulinus truncatus to Schistosoma haematobium infection: An important host-parasite system involved in the transmission of human urogenital schistosomiasis

Abstract

Freshwater snails of the genus Bulinus are critical hosts for Schistosoma haematobium, the causative agent of urogenital schistosomiasis. Among the 37 recognized Bulinus species, B. truncatus is a key vector. Using RNA sequencing (RNAseq), we investigated the genome-wide transcriptional responses of B. truncatus to S. haematobium infection. Our findings suggest that snails employ a complex defense strategy against the parasites by up-regulating genes involved in immune response, stress reaction, structural integrity, metabolism, and detoxification. In response, schistosome parasites appear to manipulate the snail’s defense system, as evidenced by the suppression of immune-related genes such as ficolin, peptidoglycan recognition protein, and C-type lectin domain-containing protein genes. The down-regulation of biomphalysin 9, compared to its function in Biomphalaria glabrata, indicates divergent immune strategies among snail hosts. Additionally, we compared transcriptome profiles between embryos and juveniles, providing insights into developmental processes. This study offers valuable genomic data for Bulinus snails, illuminating the molecular interactions between bulinids and schistosomes, and advancing our understanding of their developmental biology.