Schistosoma haematobium: Identification of new estrogenic molecules with estradiol antagonistic activity and ability to inactivate estrogen receptor in mammalian cells

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Monica Catarina Botelho (Author) Other; Raquel Soares (Author) FMUP; Nuno Vale (Author) FCUP; Ricardo Ribeiro (Author) Other; Vania Camilo (Author) Other; Raquel Almeida (Author) FMUP; Rui Medeiros (Author) ICBAS; Paula Gomes (Author) FCUP; Jose Carlos Machado (Author) FMUP; Jose Manuel C Correia da Costa (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Experimental Parasitology

Vol. 126 No. 4

Pages: 526-535

ISSN: 0014-4894

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Proceedings

ISI Web of Knowledge - 32 Citations

Scopus - 33 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-0G7

DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.06.012

Abstract (EN): We have previously identified the expression of an estradiol (E2)-related molecule by Schistosoma haematobium total antigen (Sh). We now show that this molecule has an antagonistic effect of estradiol in vitro. Our results are consistent with the existence of an estrogenic molecule that antagonizes the activity of estradiol. We found evidence for this molecule as we identified and characterized by mass spectrometry new estrogenic molecules previously unknown, present in schistosome worm extracts and sera of Schistosoma-infected individuals. We also show that Sh is able to interact in vitro with estrogen receptor (ER), explaining how host endocrine system can favor the establishment of schistosomes. These findings highlight the exploitation of the host endocrine system by schistosomes and represent an additional regulatory component of schistosome development that defines a novel paradigm enabling host-parasite interactions. The identification of these molecules opens new ways for the development of alternative drugs to treat schistosomiasis.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10