CRISPR-based functional genomics for schistosomes and related flatworms

Authors

Wannaporn Ittiprasert, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
Paul J. Brindley, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA. Electronic address: pbrindley@gwu.edu.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-18-2024

Journal

Trends in parasitology

DOI

10.1016/j.pt.2024.09.010

Keywords

CRISPR; genome editing; platyhelminth; schistosome; transgene

Abstract

CRISPR genome editing is actively used for schistosomes and other flukes. The ability to genetically manipulate these flatworms enables deeper investigation of their (patho)biological nature. CRISPR gene knockout (KO) demonstrated that a liver fluke growth mediator contributes to disease progression. Genome safe harbor sites have been predicted in Schistosoma mansoni and targeted for transgene insertion. CRISPR-based diagnosis has been demonstrated for infection with schistosomes and Opisthorchis viverrini. This review charts the progress, and the state of play, and posits salient questions for the field to address. Derivation of heritably transgenic loss-of-function or gain-of-function lines is the next milestone.

APA Citation

Ittiprasert, Wannaporn and Brindley, Paul J., "CRISPR-based functional genomics for schistosomes and related flatworms" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 5808.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/5808

Department

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine