Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year. (2017-2018 to 2022-2023)

The bloodfluke Schistosoma mansoni causes schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease that afflicts over 240 million people worldwide, with 700 million more living in endemic areas and at risk of infection. The burden of disease is most severe in Africa, where nearly 85% of all infections occur. Approximately 200,000 deaths are recorded annually due to schistosomiasis. There is no vaccine available and the repertoire of drug treatments is very limited. At present, the control of schistosomiasis relies on a single drug (praziquantel) and the incidence of drug resistance is rising. There is an urgent need to learn more about the fundamental biology of the parasite as a necessary step towards discovery of new drug targets and new forms of treatment.

In this study, we are investigating the process by which schistosomes control movement within the host. These parasites exhibit an intricate pattern of migration in the bloodstream, moving through the lungs and liver towards their final destination in the mesenteric veins, where the mature worms typically reside. This migration is controlled by the parasite’s own neuromuscular system and by host-derived substances that influence motility. Our goal is to identify the mechanisms involved in motor control, in particular the receptors that mediate muscle contraction and movement of the parasite . A better understanding of these receptors will allow us to design specific drug inhibitors that disrupt muscle function and movement, ultimately causing paralysis of the worm. Through these studies we hope to learn more about the fundamental biology of schistosomes and to discover new treatments against this serious disease.