Abstract

Understanding how parasites interact with and survive within their hosts is a key challenge for parasitologists. Much effort is directed towards decoding the parasite “secretome” – the repertoire of molecules secreted by parasites to aid their survival. Helminth parasite secretomes are now known to contain several RNA species in addition to classically recognised proteins, lipids and sugars. These molecules are essential contributors to parasite-host communication, but also represent potential biomarkers which could contribute to improved detection and diagnosis of parasitic infections. Our team focuses on the secreted micro (mi)RNA component of helminth secretomes, through RNA sequencing of plasma from experimentally- and naturally-infected animals. I will present data from two representative species: Fasciola hepatica, a trematode liver fluke, and Strongyloides ratti, a gastrointestinal nematode. I will present our latest insights from longitudinal plasma miRNA sequencing datasets from both species, from the dual perspectives of how extracellular miRNAs could allow parasites to control host gene expression, and how we might apply these data to improved parasite diagnostics and control.

We encourage in person attendance but the talk will also be streamed via zoom