Randomized trial demonstrates the importance of gene P158 for evagination and development in Echinococcus multilocularis, suggesting therapeutic targets.
Key Points
This study investigates the role of the novel gene P158 in the activation and early development of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces.
In vitro activation model of protoscoleces combined with transcriptomic analysis
Characterization of gene P158 through transcriptional unit analysis and functional knockdown assays
Assessment of effects on evagination, cellular viability, and tegument integrity
Knockdown of P158 reduced PSC evagination rate and impaired metacestode vesicular development
Decreased cellular viability and damage to microtriches indicated compromised tegument integrity
P158 knockdown led to metabolic dysregulation with reduced ATP levels and glycogen reserves.