Article
Parasitology
Elise Courtot, Morgane Miclon, Barbara Reaves, Adrian J. Wolstenholme, Cedric Neveu
Summary: Levamisole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic used to control parasitic nematodes impacting livestock, but its efficacy is compromised by drug-resistant parasites. This study investigates truncated cholinergic receptor sub-units as potential levamisole resistance markers in nematodes. The researchers used Xenopus oocyte and Caenorhabditis elegans as expression systems to functionally investigate these markers. They found that truncated UNC-63 induces a reduction in levamisole susceptibility, providing the first functional validation for this molecular marker.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amanda C. Shaver, Janneke Wit, Clayton Dilks, Timothy Crombie, Hanchen Li, Raffi Aroian, Erik Andersen
Summary: Treatment of parasitic nematode infections in humans and livestock is becoming a challenge due to the increasing anthelmintic resistance. However, the use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism has provided insights into the molecular targets of anthelmintic drugs. By studying genetically diverse strains of C. elegans, researchers were able to identify variations in anthelmintic responses and quantify the contribution of genetics to resistance. This study highlights the importance of using genetically diverse models to understand anthelmintic resistance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sudhanva S. Kashyap, Saurabh Verma, Mark McHugh, Mengisteab Wolday, Paul D. Williams, Alan P. Robertson, Richard J. Martin
Summary: This study shows that Brugia malayi exhibits adaptability to the anthelmintic levamisole, displaying three phases of motility responses to resist the drug's effects.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Armelle Buzy, Camille Alain, John Harrington, Dominique Lesuisse, Vincent Mikol, David F. Bruhn, Aaron G. Maule, Jean-Claude Guillemot
Summary: This study focused on the peptidomic analysis of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus and successfully identified and quantified over 180 mature neuropeptides. Different peptidomic approaches provided evidence that both life stages of Haemonchus contortus express most FMRFamide-like peptides and neuropeptide-like proteins.
Article
Cell Biology
Stephen R. Doyle, Roz Laing, David Bartley, Alison Morrison, Nancy Holroyd, Kirsty Maitland, Alistair Antonopoulos, Umer Chaudhry, Ilona Flis, Sue Howell, Jennifer McIntyre, John S. Gilleard, Andy Tait, Barbara Mable, Ray Kaplan, Neil Sargison, Collette Britton, Matthew Berriman, Eileen Devaney, James A. Cotton
Summary: Understanding the genetic basis of anthelmintic drug resistance in parasitic nematodes is crucial for improving parasite control. By using an in vivo genetic cross, this study successfully mapped resistance loci for three major classes of anthelmintics and identified new alleles for resistance. The study also implicated a transcription factor in ivermectin resistance and demonstrated the feasibility of high-resolution forward genetics in parasitic nematodes.
Article
Parasitology
Moise Ondua, Emmanuel Mfotie Njoya, Muna Ali Abdalla, Lyndy J. McGaw
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of plant extracts from 11 traditional South African plants against Haemonchus contortus. The Typha capensis acetone extract showed strong inhibitory effects on egg hatching and larval development, while two compounds isolated from T. capensis displayed antioxidant and anthelmintic activities against H. contortus. Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these plant extracts in vivo.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Fei Wu, Haidian Wei, Xueqiu Chen, Zhendong Du, Yan Huang, Hengzhi Shi, Yi Yang, Aifang Du, Guangxu Ma
Summary: Nematodes have lost the ability to produce necessary lipids and have evolved the capacity to acquire them from diet or host animals. The FAR family of proteins facilitates lipid acquisition and could be a potential target against roundworms. However, their roles in nematodes are not well understood.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Esaie Tchetan, Sergio Ortiz, Pascal Abiodoun Olounlade, Kristelle Hughes, Patrick Laurent, Erick Virgile Bertrand Azando, Sylvie Mawule Hounzangbe-Adote, Fernand Ahokanou Gbaguidi, Joelle Quetin-Leclercq
Summary: By performing LC-MS/MS analysis and molecular networking, the main compounds in Terminalia leiocarpa were identified as ellagic acid and derivatives, gallic acid, astragalin, rutin, quinic acid, and fructose. Among them, ellagic acid and gallic acid showed good anthelmintic activity against C. elegans. Other unidentified compounds may also contribute to the observed activity.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Harrison T. Shanley, Aya C. Taki, Joseph J. Byrne, Abdul Jabbar, Tim N. C. Wells, Kirandeep Samby, Peter R. Boag, Nghi Nguyen, Brad E. Sleebs, Robin B. Gasser
Summary: Parasitic nematodes cause economic losses in the agricultural industry and the widespread resistance to anthelmintic compounds highlights the need for new treatments. In this study, a screening of 400 compounds led to the discovery of MMV1581032, which exhibited significant inhibition of the motility and development of Haemonchus contortus and Caenorhabditis elegans. MMV1581032 has favorable characteristics and promising potential as a nematocide.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniela Bedenice, Jessica Resnick-Sousa, Lauren Bookbinder, Victoria Trautwein, Hannah N. Creasey, Giovanni Widmer
Summary: This study examined the correlation between nematode worm burden and intestinal microbiota composition in adult alpacas. Fecal samples were collected from 102 healthy alpacas at three different time points. The results showed high temporal stability in the fecal microbiota of healthy alpacas. The intensity of nematode infection was only significantly correlated with microbiota composition 14 days after treatment. Alpaca age was found to be the only consistent predictor of microbiota taxonomic composition.
Review
Parasitology
Tapoka T. Mkandawire, Richard K. Grencis, Matthew Berriman, Maria A. Duque-Correa
Summary: Although the process of hatching from eggs in nematodes is of fundamental importance, our understanding of this process is limited. In particular, progress in studying animal-parasitic nematodes has been slow since the 1980s. Enhancing our understanding of this crucial life-cycle process would greatly benefit parasitic nematode research, treatment, and control. This review examines the role of eggs in the nematode life cycle, current knowledge of the hatching cascade, and specific areas that remain unknown. Strategies to address these knowledge gaps and their potential impact in nematode parasite research, treatment, and control are discussed.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeba R. J. Jesudoss Chelladurai, Katy A. Martin, Pam Vardaxis, Craig Reinemeyer, Paramasivan Vijayapalani, Alan P. Robertson, Matthew T. Brewer
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the role of permeability glycoproteins (P-gps) in Toxocara canis drug tolerance. They found that T. canis has 13 annotated P-gp genes, with at least 10 expressed in adults and hatched larvae, and at least 8 expressed in somatic larvae. However, treatment with macrocyclic lactones did not significantly increase P-gp expression. Further studies are needed to understand the contribution of P-gps to macrocyclic lactone tolerance in T. canis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
L. Queiros, A. C. Martins, B. N. Krum, T. Ke, M. Aschner, J. L. Pereira, F. J. M. Goncalves, G. L. Milne, P. Pereira
Summary: Short-term exposure to methomyl in Caenorhabditis elegans resulted in transient effects on movement and development, without apparent neurodegeneration in cholinergic neurons. Recovery after exposure showed a reversal of biometric endpoints towards control levels, indicating the temporary action of the insecticide.
Article
Microbiology
Tina V. A. Hansen, Susanna Cirera, Cedric Neveu, Elise Courtot, Claude L. Charvet, Kirstine Calloe, Dan A. Klaerke, Richard J. Martin
Summary: The study found that the anthelmintic oxantel has high efficacy against the whipworm Trichuris, but its molecular targets are still unknown. By using the pig whipworm as a model, a novel ACR-16-like subunit was identified, shedding light on the sensitivity of whipworms to oxantel. This finding provides new insight into the mechanisms of action of anthelmintic compounds against parasitic nematodes and the potential for future drug development.
Article
Neurosciences
Shachi Shuchi Smita, Mashu Trivedi, Deepika Tripathi, Shashi Pandey-Rai, Rakesh Pandey
Summary: The study explores the potential of Asparagus racemosus extract (ARE) and its bioactive molecule Shatavarin IV (SIV) in improving cholinergic transmission, showing significant modulation in cholinergic function through increasing acetylcholine levels and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors activity. Further investigations suggest that ARE and SIV modulate synaptic ACh levels by blocking acetyl cholinesterase and regulating the synthesis of ACh, resulting in enhanced nAChR activity and lowering oxidative damage by diminishing ROS.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Alexandra Blanchard, Fabrice Guegnard, Claude L. Charvet, Anna Crisford, Elise Courtot, Christine Sauve, Abdallah Harmache, Thomas Duguet, Vincent O'Connor, Philippe Castagnone-Sereno, Barbara Reaves, Adrian J. Wolstenholme, Robin N. Beech, Lindy Holden-Dye, Cedric Neveu
Article
Parasitology
Molly D. Savadelis, Katherine M. Day, Jenna L. Bradner, Adrian J. Wolstenholme, Michael T. Dzimianski, Andrew R. Moorhead
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2018)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lihui Wang, Megan A. Sloan, Petros Ligoxygakis
Article
Parasitology
Jane E. Hodgkinson, Ray M. Kaplan, Fiona Kenyon, Eric R. Morgan, Andrew W. Park, Steve Paterson, Simon A. Babayan, Nicola J. Beesley, Collette Britton, Umer Chaudhry, Stephen R. Doyle, Vanessa O. Ezenwa, Andy Fenton, Sue B. Howell, Roz Laing, Barbara K. Mable, Louise Matthews, Jennifer McIntyre, Catherine E. Milne, Thomas A. Morrison, Jamie C. Prentice, Neil D. Sargison, Diana J. L. Williams, Adrian J. Wolstenholme, Eileen Devaney
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2019)
Article
Parasitology
Tessa Berrafato, Ruby Coates, Barbara J. Reaves, Daniel Kulke, Adrian J. Wolstenholme
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2019)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Megan A. Sloan, Karen Brooks, Thomas D. Otto, Mandy J. Sanders, James A. Cotton, Petros Ligoxygakis
Article
Parasitology
Julie Sanchez, Guha Dharmarajan, Melissa M. George, Cassan Pulaski, Adrian J. Wolstenholme, John S. Gilleard, Ray M. Kaplan
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Megan A. Sloan, Petros Ligoxygakis
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Pei-Tsz Shin, Rodrigo de Paula Baptista, Connor M. O'Neill, Connor Wallis, Barbara J. Reaves, Adrian J. Wolstenholme
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Megan A. Sloan, Jovana Sadlova, Tereza Lestinova, Mandy J. Sanders, James A. Cotton, Petr Volf, Petros Ligoxygakis
Summary: Leishmaniasis, caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, affects millions of people globally. A study on sand fly transcriptomic responses to Leishmania infection found that the flies perceive the parasite as part of their microbiome landscape, and control strategies should focus on blood meal response rather than parasite establishment. This suggests potential for new approaches to tackle transmission.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Melissa M. George, Adriano F. Vatta, Sue B. Howell, Bob E. Storey, Ciaran J. McCoy, Adrian J. Wolstenholme, Elizabeth M. Redman, John S. Gilleard, Ray M. Kaplan
Summary: The study successfully replaced a population of Haemonchus contortus resistant to multiple anthelmintics with a susceptible isolate, but resistance re-emerged within a short period of time. Genetic changes may have contributed to this reversion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Natalie E. Wilson, Barbara J. Reaves, Adrian J. Wolstenholme
Summary: The study found that a single dose of ivermectin does not have a significant impact on the human immune system based on human volunteer experiments. This suggests that ivermectin, at the dose used in current filarial elimination programs, does not directly affect the human immune system.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Megan A. Sloan, Dana Aghabi, Clare R. Harding
Summary: The acquisition and storage of metals have been crucial for life throughout history. Transition metals like iron, copper, and zinc play vital roles in cells, but excess intake or storage can be harmful. Cells have developed mechanisms to fine-tune metal concentrations, and in infection contexts, hosts use metal availability to combat pathogens.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adrian J. Wolstenholme, Cedric Neveu
Summary: Glutamate-gated chloride channels are crucial targets for ivermectin and related compounds in parasitic nematodes. Due to variations in gene family members, it is challenging to extrapolate from Caenorhabditis elegans to parasites. Recent advances in localisation data are helping to understand the mode of action of the drugs and the possible combinations of subunits that form their targets in vivo.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Marc P. Huebner, Simon Townson, Suzanne Gokool, Senyo Tagboto, Mary J. Maclean, Guilherme G. Verocai, Adrian J. Wolstenholme, Stefan J. Frohberger, Achim Hoerauf, Sabine Specht, Ivan Scandale, Achim Harder, Martin Glenschek-Sieberth, Steffen R. Hahnel, Daniel Kulke
Summary: This study evaluates the in vitro effects of emodepside against a range of filarial nematodes at various developmental stages. Emodepside showed broad-spectrum efficacy against different genera of filarial nematodes, suggesting it as a promising candidate for the treatment of human filariases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)