Hemocyte siRNA uptake is increased by 5′ cholesterol-TEG addition in <i>Biomphalaria glabrata</i>, snail vector of schistosome

Biomphalaria glabrata is one of the snail intermediate hosts Schistosoma mansoni , causative agent intestinal schistosomiasis disease. Numerous molecular studies using comparative approaches between susceptible and resistant snails to S. infection have helped identify numerous key candidates supporting such susceptible/resistant status. The functional approach RNA interference (RNAi) remains crucial validate function candidates. CRISPR-Cas systems are still under development in many laboratories, best tool study B. genetics. Herein, we describe use modified small interfering (siRNA) molecules enhance cell delivery, especially into hemocytes, immune cells. Modification siRNA with 5′ Cholesteryl TriEthylene Glycol (Chol-TEG) promotes cellular uptake by nearly eightfold over that unmodified siRNA. FACS analysis reveals more than 50% hemocytes internalized Chol-TEG conjugated Cy3 fluorophores, 2 hours only after vivo injection snails. targeting BgTEP1 (ThioEster-containing Protein), a parasite binding protein, reduced transcript expression 70–80% compared control. level protein secreted hemolymph was also decreased. However, despite knock-down at both levels, compatibility its sympatric not affected suggesting redundancy among BgTEP genes family snail-schistosoma interaction.