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For the first time scientists have deciphered the DNA of flat worms, which may reveal new therapeutic targets for future drugs. The genome is a new resource and the path to faster development of new drugs are urgently needed - flat worms cause two of the seventeen "neglected" tropical diseases listed by the World Health Organization - echinococcosis and cysticercosis.
The research team determined the DNA sequence of the four types of tapeworms to better study the biology and genetics of intestinal parasites. In most species, adults cause few complaints while in the intestines. The larvae, however, can cause serious medical complications in moving their body. They form cysts in the bodies of humans and animals, which can lead to complications such as blindness or epilepsy.
According to Dr. Matthew Beriman of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, parasitosis of flat worms are widespread. Their global burden is comparable to that of multiple sclerosis and melanoma.
Typically, the researchers analyzed the DNA of pathogens and compare it with that of man, and thus identify potential targets for future drugs. In this study, however, researchers are mainly interested in the similarities in the DNA of human intestinal parasites. This is because unlike most pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, flat worms are eukaryotic organisms like humans. Flatworms much more like a human structure and physiology of any bacteria or virus.
Furthermore, by analyzing the similarities between the genomes, researchers discovered which of already existing drugs might be effective against parasites. This can save hundreds of decades of work and millions of dollars in investments.
It turns out that some tapeworms are sensitive to the drugs currently used to treat cancer. Another potential solution is cholesterol lowering medication. In the course of evolution, flat worms have lost the ability to synthesize their own cholesterol, which obtain at the expense of the host. Promising target for new drugs are proteins, through which the larvae absorb cholesterol from the intestine. If the function of these proteins has been crossed, the larvae will stop development and will die.
