Targeted insertion and reporter transgene activity at a gene safe harbor of the human blood fluke, .

The identification and characterization of genomic safe harbor sites (GSHs) can facilitate consistent transgene activity with minimal disruption to the host cell genome. We combined computational genome annotation and chromatin structure analysis to predict the location of four GSHs in the human blood fluke, , a major infectious pathogen of the tropics. A transgene was introduced via CRISPR-Cas-assisted homology-directed repair into one of the GSHs in the egg of the parasite.

Chemical modulation of lysine specific demethylase 1 (SmLSD1) induces wide-scale biological and epigenomic changes.

: , a parasitic worm species responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, undergoes strict developmental regulation of gene expression that is carefully controlled by both genetic and epigenetic processes. As inhibition of epigenetic machinery components impairs key transitions throughout the parasite's digenetic lifecycle, a greater understanding of how epi-drugs affect molecular processes in schistosomes could lead to the development of new anthelmintics.   whole organism assays were used to assess the anti-schistosomal activity of 39 Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (HsLSD1) inhibitors on different parasite life cycle stages.

Early life microbial exposures shape the Crassostrea gigas immune system for lifelong and intergenerational disease protection.

Background: The interaction of organisms with their surrounding microbial communities influences many biological processes, a notable example of which is the shaping of the immune system in early life. In the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, the role of the environmental microbial community on immune system maturation - and, importantly, protection from infectious disease - is still an open question.

Results: Here, we demonstrate that early life microbial exposure durably improves oyster survival when challenged with the pathogen causing Pacific oyster mortality syndrome (POMS), both in the exposed generation and in the subsequent one.

Automated ChIPmentation procedure on limited biological material of the human blood fluke .

In living cells, the genetic information stored in the DNA sequence is always associated with chromosomal and extra-chromosomal epigenetic information. Chromatin is formed by the DNA and associated proteins, in particular histones. Covalent histone modifications are important bearers of epigenetic information and as such have been increasingly studied since about the year 2000.