Molecular interactions between male and female schistosomes: A role for remote communication?

Anthony J. Walker*, Gabriel Rinaldi, Eman M.N. Shakir

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview Articlepeer-review

Abstract

Persistent physical interaction between male and female schistosome adult worms has long been shown to be crucial for their development and sexual maturation, particularly for the female. Although not fully understood, worm pairing promotes local molecular communication between sexes, driving gonad and vitellaria differentiation. In this opinion article we (i) summarise evidence concerning molecular interactions underlying the physical pairing, and (ii) propose a new paradigm whereby remote male–female molecular communication may play an overlooked role in parasite sexual maturation. In this context we discuss recent research that supports both physical and remote male–female interactions driving differentiation of the gonads/vitellaria. This remote communication between sexes may be mediated by excretory–secretory products (ESPs). Integrated hypotheses are presented to stimulate research in this important and emerging field.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)28-37
Number of pages10
JournalTrends in Parasitology
Volume41
Issue number1
Early online date10 Dec 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 08 Jan 2025

Keywords

  • excretory–secretory products (ESPs)
  • gynecophoral canal
  • Schistosoma inter-sex interactions
  • schistosome development
  • schistosome sexual maturation

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