Gaining biological perspectives from schistosome genomes

- Functional characterization of the schistosome genome is a research priority.
- Correlative or systems approaches to schistosome genomes have been reported.
- RNAi is the corner stone for functional characterization of schistosome's genes.
- Significant genes identified by RNAi should be targets for future transgenesis.

Characterization of the genomic basis underlying schistosome biology is an important strategy for the development of future treatments and interventions. Genomic sequence is now available for the three major clinically relevant schistosome species, Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium, and this information represents an invaluable resource for the future control of human schistosomiasis. The identification of a biologically important, but distinct from the host, schistosome gene product is the ultimate goal for many research groups. While the initial elucidation of the genome of an organism is critical for most biological research, continued improvement or curation of the genome construction should be an ongoing priority. In this review we will discuss prominent recent findings utilizing a systems approach to schistosome biology, as well as the increased use of interference RNA (RNAi). Both of these research strategies are aiming to place parasite genes into a more meaningful biological perspective.

Characterization of the genomic basis of schistosome biology is an important strategy for the development of future treatments and interventions.158