Parasitic Nematode miRNAs and EVs - Transfection into Organoid Epithelial Cells [Poster]

Perez, M. , Gillan, V. , Devaney, E. and Britton, C. (2023) Parasitic Nematode miRNAs and EVs - Transfection into Organoid Epithelial Cells [Poster]. Challenges, Opportunities, and New Technologies for Functional Validation of Parasitic Nematode Genes, University of Glasgow, Glasgow UK, March 2023.

Abstract

Many parasitic helminths inhabit the host gastrointestinal (GI) tract and interact with epithelial cells - the first sensors and responders during infection. microRNAs (miRNAs) suppress the translation of target mRNAs, and their secretion by parasites suggests they may modulate host gene expression. We previously identified that the blood-feeding sheep nematode Haemonchus contortus releases miRNAs (in vitro and in vivo), some of which are unique to GI parasitic nematodes and are present in parasite extracellular vesicles (EVs). In addition, bioinformatic target prediction tools identified potential targets expressed in ovine GI cells. To examine the effects of these secreted miRNAs, we have established ovine abomasum (monogastric stomach) organoids. Initial studies using Cy3-labeled miRNA mimic and parasite EVs demonstrated efficient transfection of abomasum organoids, and RT-qPCR monitored the expression of predicted target genes. This novel approach using organoids is helping to elucidate the role of miRNAs in host-parasite communication and the potential of parasite miRNAs in modulating gastrointestinal inflammatory and allergic diseases.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Devaney, Professor Eileen and Britton, Professor Collette and Gillan, Dr Victoria and Perez, Dr Matias
• Authors: Perez, M., Gillan, V., Devaney, E., and Britton, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine