Transforming growth factor-β signalling regulates protoscolex formation in the metacestode.

The lethal zoonosis alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by tumor-like, infiltrative growth of the metacestode larval stage of the tapeworm . We previously showed that the metacestode is composed of posteriorized tissue and that the production of the subsequent larval stage, the protoscolex, depends on re-establishment of anterior identities within the metacestode germinative layer. It is, however, unclear so far how protoscolex differentiation in is regulated.

Molecular characterization of EmABP, an apolipoprotein A-I binding protein secreted by the Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode.

Cestodes are unable to synthesize de novo most of their own membrane lipids, including cholesterol, and have to take them up from the host during an infection. The underlying molecular mechanisms are so far unknown. Here we report the identification and characterization of a novel gene, Emabp, which is expressed by larval stages and adults of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis.