Short technical reportEchinococcus multilocularis primary cells: Improved isolation, small-scale cultivation and RNA interference

In this study we demonstrate RNA interference mediated knock-down of target gene expression in Echinococcus multilocularis primary cells on both the transcriptional and translational level. In addition, we report on an improved method for generating E. multilocularis primary cell mini-aggregates from in vitro cultivated metacestode vesicles, and on the cultivation of small numbers of small interfering RNA-transfected cells in vitro over an extended period of time. This allows assessments on the effects of RNA interference performed on Echinococcus primary cells with regard to growth, proliferation, differentiation of the parasite and the formation of novel metacestode vesicles in vitro.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (108KB)Download full-size imageResearch highlights▶ Echinococcus multilocularis primary cells form highly viable mini-aggregates in vitro. ▶ Echinococcus mini-aggregates can be cultured in vitro for extended periods of time. ▶ RNAi was established to modulate gene expression in Echinococcus mini-aggregates.