The function of tyrosine kinase 3 in the reproduction of Schistosoma japonicum

Abstract

Abstract Background Schistosoma mansoni tyrosine kinase 3 (SmTK3) is a member of the cell tyrosine kinase family. It is mainly located in female yolk gland cells and oocytes, and in the spermatocytes in males. It may also be involved in the reproductive activities of Schistosoma japonicum. This study examined the role of TK3 in the reproductive process of S. japonicum.Methods The full-length sequence SjTK3 and its coding sequence(CDS) of S. japonicum was cloned from cDNA of S. japonicum. S. japonicum was treated by dihydrochloride in vitro. Morphological changes of the parasites were observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy and the expression levels of synthesis-related genes were tested by qPCR.Results SjTK3 mRNA had differential expression level during the different stages of S. japonicum. The morphology of the reproductive organs of S. japonicum varied. A porous structure was observed in the ovaries of females and testis of males after dihydrochloride treatment. Expression levels of important egg-shell synthesis related genes were higher in the dihydrochloride-treated group than in the DMSO-treated group.Conclusion The SjTK3 gene may be important in regulating reproductive organ development of S. japonicum. Identification of molecules that regulate the signal transduction pathway of S. japonicum and interfere with its key targets to inhibit reproductive development may lead to more effective ways to control this parasite.