Publications by authors named "Dezhou Ai"

Calcium-binding protein is an indispensable protein which performs extensive and important functions in the growth of Schistosoma japonicum. Based on our primary study on tegument surface proteins of S. japonicun, a cDNA encoding a 66 kDa calcium-binding protein of S.

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The schistosomal tegument is a dynamic host-interactive layer. Proteins exposed to the host on the tegumental surface are important for completion of the parasitic lifecycle. Dysferlin is a member of the ferlin family and is involved in plasma membrane repair.

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Myoferlin is a member of the ferlin family of proteins, which are involved in plasma membrane repair, and has been identified as one of the tegument proteins of Schistosoma japonicum. The tegument proteins are potential candidates for vaccines and new drug targets. In this study, myoferlin of S.

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Schistosomiasis, caused by infection with Schistosoma species, remains an important parasitic zoonosis. Thioredoxin glutathione reductase of Schistosoma japonicum (SjTGR) plays an important role in the development of the parasite and for its survival. Here we present a recombinant plasmid DNA vaccine, pVAX1/SjTGR, to estimate its protection against S.

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Objective: To clone and preliminarily analyze the full-length cDNA encoding retinoid X receptor 2 (RXR2) from Schistosoma japonicum.

Methods: The rapid amplification cDNA ends (RACE)was applied to get a full-length cDNA encoding retinoid X receptor 2 from S. japonicum (SjRXR2).

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Background: Thyroid hormones (TH) modulate growth, development and differentiation and metabolic processes by interacting with thyroid hormone receptors (THRs). The purpose of this study was to identify a novel thyroid hormone receptor beta encoding gene of Schistosoma japonicum (SjTHRβ) and to investigate its potential as a vaccine candidate antigen against schistosomiasis in BALB/c mice.

Methods: The full-length cDNA sequence of SjTHRβ, its gene organization, and its transcript levels were characterized, and the phylogenetic relationship between THR, RAR and RXR from other organisms were analysis, the ability of this protein binding to a conserved DNA core motif, and its potential as a vaccine candidate antigen against schistosomiasis in BALB/c mice were evaluated.

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