Transcriptomic analysis of the Echinococcus granulosus protoscolex in the encystation process

Back ground: Echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis and in humans it occurs as a result of infection by the larva of Echinococcus granulosus . CE is seriously affects the development of animal husbandry and endangers human health. Due to the lack of in-depth understanding of the cystic fluid formation pathway, prevention and treatment of CE have been lack of innovative methods. Result: High throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of protoscoleces (PSCs) in the encystation process of total three biological replicates for each period on 0d, 10d, 20d, 40d and 80d were analyzed. The results demonstrated, a total of 32,401 transcripts and 14,903 genes, including numbers new genes, new transcript, stage-specific genes and differently expression genes (DEGs). Genes encoding proteins involved in several signaling pathways, such as putative G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), tyrosine kinases and serine/threonine protein kinase were predominantly up-regulated during encystation process of PSCs. Moreover, three major antioxidant proteins of PSCs were identified, and these proteins demonstrated have a high expression level, including cytochrome c oxidase, thioredoxin glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. Intriguingly, The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis suggested that up-regulated DEGs involved in the vasopressin-regulated water reabsorption metabolic pathway might play important roles in the protein, carbohydrate, and other substances transport. Conclusions: The present study carried out the transcriptomic analysis of the encystation process of E. granulosus PCSs, which provide valuable information for the mechanism of cystic fluid formation during the encystation process. These results provide a basis and reference for further studies for investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in PSC growth and development. Keywords: Echinococcus granulosus , Encystation process, Differentially expressed genes, Protoscolex, RNA-seq