By focusing on these molecules that are likely to be crucial components for realization of the schistosome life cycle, we may provide targets for new and potent antiparasitic agents. Calcium is an important messenger molecule in cells because it regulates a variety of cellular functions, including contraction, neurosecretion and changes in gene expression. Disruption of calcium channel function in schistosomes by new drugs may provide different ways to treat schistosomiasis. All three cDNAs are expressed in the larval cercariae, and the three channels are expressed with distinct tissue distributions in adult worms. More recently, we cloned a calcium channel beta subunit from schistosomes.
Beta subunits are proteins associated with calcium channels that modulate channel properties.
The discovery of the structure of this beta subunit may provide another target for new antiparasitic agents We are assessing the function of all these channel sequences by expressing them in frog oocytes. Interestingly, co-expression of the schistosome beta subunit with a mammalian calcium channel sequence results in the mammalian calcium channel becoming sensitive to an antischistosomal drug. NO signalling has been implicated in multiple physiological functions, including neuronal communication, non-immune defense responses, cell survival and multiplication and dilation of blood vessels. NO can have toxic effects on cells and tissues, playing an important role as part of a host defense against pathogens such as parasites and also as part of a parasite's response to these defenses. We have several lines of evidence indicating that NO plays various critical roles in the life cycle of schistosomes.