Systems biology of Haemonchus contortus - Advancing biotechnology for parasitic nematode control.

Journal: Biotechnology advances
Published Date: Mar 22, 2025

Abstract

Parasitic nematodes represent a substantial global burden, impacting animal health, agriculture and economies worldwide. Of these worms, Haemonchus contortus - a blood-feeding nematode of ruminants - is a major pathogen and a model for molecular and applied parasitology research. This review synthesises some key advances in understanding the molecular biology, genetic diversity and host-parasite interactions of H. contortus, highlighting its value for comparative studies with the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Key themes include recent developments in genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic technologies and resources, which are illuminating critical molecular pathways, including the ubiquitination pathway, protease/protease inhibitor systems and the secretome of H. contortus. Some of these insights are providing a foundation for identifying essential genes and exploring their potential as targets for novel anthelmintics or vaccines, particularly in the face of widespread anthelmintic resistance. Advanced bioinformatic tools, such as machine learning (ML) algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven protein structure prediction, are enhancing annotation capabilities, facilitating and accelerating analyses of gene functions, and biological pathways and processes. This review also discusses the integration of these tools with cutting-edge single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to dissect host-parasite interactions at the cellular level. The discussion emphasises the importance of curated databases, improved culture systems and functional genomics platforms to translate molecular discoveries into practical outcomes, such as novel interventions. New research findings and resources not only advance research on H. contortus and related nematodes but may also pave the way for innovative solutions to the global challenges with anthelmintic resistance.

Authors

  • Yuanting Zheng
    State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences and Shanghai Cancer Hospital/Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
  • Neil D Young
    Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
  • Tao Wang
    Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
  • Bill C H Chang
    Department of Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
  • Jiangning Song
    College of Information Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China, Centre for Research in Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia College of Information Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China, Centre for Research in Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia College of Information Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China, Centre for Research in Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.
  • Robin B Gasser
    Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.

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