Towards an understanding of the function of the phytochelatin synthase of Schistosoma mansoni.

Phytochelatin synthase (PCS) is a protease-like enzyme that catalyzes the production of metal chelating peptides, the phytochelatins, from glutathione (GSH). In plants, algae, and fungi phytochelatin production is important for metal tolerance and detoxification. PCS proteins also function in xenobiotic metabolism by processing GSH S-conjugates.

Transcriptional analysis of a unique set of genes involved in Schistosoma mansoni female reproductive biology.

Schistosomiasis affects more than 200 million people globally. The pathology of schistosome infections is due to chronic tissue inflammation and damage from immune generated granulomas surrounding parasite eggs trapped in host tissues. Schistosoma species are unique among trematode parasites because they are dioecious; females require paring with male parasites in order to attain reproductive maturity and produce viable eggs.

Vasa-Like DEAD-Box RNA Helicases of Schistosoma mansoni.

Genome sequences are available for the human blood flukes, Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni and S. haematobium.

Whole mount in situ hybridization methodology for Schistosoma mansoni.

The genome sequence for Schistosoma mansoni has been determined, allowing the complete protein complement to be predicted. However, few functional genomics techniques have been developed for use in S. mansoni, limiting the usefulness of the sequence data.