C.elegans motion assay adapted for use in anthelminth studies

A paper called Utilization of computer processed high definition video imaging for measuring motility of microscopic nematode stages on a quantitative scale: “The Worminator” was published by Bob Storey et al in the International Journal for Parasitology.

It describes a modification of the WormAssay software, a tool for motility studies in C.elegans.

These additions allow the analysis of the motility in microscopic lifestages, as found in parasitic nematodes, enabling new ways in automating anthelminth screens.

Focus on Parasite Papers

For the upcoming WS246 release, a set of new papers have been added to the WormBase database. Some papers of interest to the parasite community are shown below.

Yadav S, Gupta S, Selvaraj C, Doharey PK, Verma A, Singh SK, Saxena JK. In silico and in vitro studies on the protein-protein interactions between Brugia malayi immunomodulatory protein calreticulin and human C1q. PLoS One. 2014 Sep 3;9(9):e106413.

linked genes: Bm6412
ParaSite: Bma6412

Galvin BD, Li Z, Villemaine E, Poole CB, Chapman MS, Pollastri MP, Wyatt PG, Carlow CK. A target repurposing approach identifies N-myristoyltransferase as a new candidate drug target in filarial nematodes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2014 Sep 4;8(9):e3145.

linked genes: Bma-nmt-1 , nmt-1
ParaSite: Bma-nmt-1

Terry FE, Moise L, Martin RF, Torres M, Pilotte N, Williams SA, De Groot AS. Time for T? Immunoinformatics addresses vaccine design for neglected tropical and emerging infectious diseases. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2014 Sep 5:1-15.

linked genes: Bma-prdx-2
ParaSite: Bma-prdx-2

Focus on Parasite Papers

For the upcoming WS246 release, a set of new papers have been added to the WormBase database. Some papers of interest to the parasite community are shown below.

Coles GC, Bauer C, Borgsteede FH, Geerts S, Klei TR, Taylor MA, Waller PJ. World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) methods for the detection of anthelmintic resistance in nematodes of veterinary importance. Vet Parasitol. 1992 Sep;44(1-2):35-44.

linked genes: Bma-pdi-2
ParaSite: Bma-pdi-2

Wiśniewski M, Lapiński M, Zdziarska A, Długosz E, Bąska P. Molecular cloning and analysis of Ancylostoma ceylanicum glutamate-cysteine ligase. Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2014 Aug;196(1):12-20.

linked genes: Bma-gcs-1 Acey_s0084.g1747
ParaSite: (there are two alternative assemblies on ParaSite for A.ceylanicum) Acey_s0084.g1747 ANCCEY_09480 Bma-gcs-1

Jawaharlal JP, Madhumathi J, Prince RP, Kaliraj P. Repeat region of Brugia malayi sheath protein (Shp-1) carries Dominant B epitopes recognized in filarial endemic population. Acta Parasitol. 2014 Sep;59(3):454-8.

linked genes: Bma-shp-1
ParaSite: Bma-shp-1

WormBook chapter on gene structures in C.elegans updated

Dear WormBook reader,

Overview of gene structure in C. elegans, by John Spieth, Daniel Lawson, Paul Davis, Gary Williams, and Kevin Howe, has just been added to the Genetics and genomics and Molecular biology sections of WormBook. This chapter updates Overview of gene structure, by John Spieth and Daniel Lawson, originally published in 2005. The updated chapter describes some of the ways in which gene structures are currently curated in WormBase, primarily focusing on transcribed regions of genes, and also includes an updated description of non-coding RNA genes.

Please proceed to read this chapter and others on nematode biology at http://www.wormbook.org/. If you have any comments or suggestions, please submit them via the Feedback page on wormbook.org.

Thank you for your interest in WormBook.

Jane

new Worm Breeder's Gazette out

Dear Worm Researcher,

Volume 20, Number 2 of The Worm Breeder’s Gazette has been published. This issue highlights genome editing and includes 4 articles describing improvements in CRISPR/Cas9 technology, web resources useful for those experiments, and links to published papers in the field. The issue also includes descriptions of other useful tools for the worm community, a caution about the potential effects of bacto-peptone on worm behavior, and several other research summaries. There are also worm humor articles, worm art, and new lab announcements.

Please proceed to http://www.wormbook.org/wbg/ to view the latest issue of the Gazette.

Best regards,

Jane Mendel
Editor, WormBook