Abstract:

RNA trans-splicing occurs in a wide range of eukaryotes, from protozoa to chordates. Here we present the discovery of a spliced-leader (SL) RNA in the zoonotic trematode Schistosoma japonicum using Race. The 36-nucleotide SL in S. japonicum was derived from a 90-nucleotide nonpolyadenylylated RNA transcript encoded by 55 copies of SL genes dispersed in the genome confirmed by blot and real time PCR. Differential transcription patterns of the SL gene in the parasite developmental stages were observed using real time PCR. Predominant expression of SL RNA was found in the two developmental stages, egg and cercariae. Expression of SL RNA transcripts in female was the least. No significant expression difference between male and schistosomulum(3d and 14d)was observed. In summary, trans-splicing of spliced leader may act as a mechanism of post-transcriptional gene regulation in S. japonicum.