A survey of schistosome protein domain types: Insights into unique biological properties

Using the PROSITE database and search tools, we conducted a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the predicted protein sequences of the flatworm parasites Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum and seven other animal genomes in order to identify novel schistosome-specific features. Our analyses revealed a relative paucity of proline-rich domains in schistosomes in comparison with their human host and a corresponding enrichment in schistosomes of asparagine-rich, serine-rich, and threonine-rich domains. Domain types found in both schistosome species but not in human included the two-component system sensor histidine kinase/response regulator; C83 family peptidase; DyP-type peroxidase; and densovirus NS1-type domain. Unique features of the schistosome proteome may help guide development of new drugs, while the presence of a densovirus-derived protein in S. mansoni suggests that this species may be infected by a virus of this group, which might be useful as a biological control agent.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (166KB)Download full-size imageA bioinformatic analysis of the predicted protein sequences of the flatworm parasites Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum and other animal genomes revealed novel schistosome-specific features.Research highlights► There is a pattern of occurrence of domains rich in one amino acid very different from that in humans. ► Schistosomes prefer asparagine-rich, serine-rich, and threonine-rich domains, whereas humans prefer proline-rich domains. ► Certain domain types occur in schistosomes but not in humans. ► Schistosoma mansoni includes a densivirus NS1-type domain, suggesting infection by a member of that group of viruses.