Identification of Six Introns in a Partial Sequence of Echinococcus granulosus Paramyosin Gene.

Objective: Paramyosin is a major protein produced by the metacestode cyst of Echinococcus granulosus, the causative agent of cystic hydatid disease. This protein has been shown to play an important role in modulating host immune responses. In this study, we attempted to characterize the noncoding sequence of the paramyosin gene.

Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from G1 Iranian hydatid cysts. A DNA fragment of 3200 bp in length was amplified from the paramyosin gene. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was cloned to the pTZ57T vector and sequenced by M13 primers and then compared with unique cDNA coding sequences of E. granulosus (Z21787) and Taenia solium (AY034087).

Results: Six introns I (107 bp), II (75 bp), III (47 bp), IV (921 bp), V (19 bp), and VI (456 bp) were identified in the partial sequence of the paramyosin gene. Some nucleotide changes were observed in three exons I, IV, and VI.

Conclusion: This data could help scientists in better understanding the possible alternative splicing and designing a real-time PCR technique for the evaluation of the transcription levels of paramyosin in the stages of the Echinococcus sp. life cycle.