Single-cell analysis of Schistosoma mansoni identifies a conserved genetic program controlling germline stem cell fate

Abstract Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms causing one of the most prevalent infectious diseases from which millions people currently suffering. These parasites have high fecundity and their eggs both transmissible agents cause infection-associated pathology. Given its biomedical significance, schistosome germline has been a research focus for more than century. Nonetheless, molecular mechanisms that regulate development only now being understood. In particular, it is unknown what balances fate stem cells (GSCs) in producing daughter through mitotic divisions versus gametes meiosis. Here, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing on juvenile schistosomes capture GSCs during de novo gonadal development. We identify genetic program controls proliferation differentiation GSCs. This centers around onecut, homeobox transcription factor, boule, an mRNA binding protein. Their expressions mutually dependent male germline, knocking down either them causes over-proliferation blocks germ cell differentiation. further show this germline-specific regulatory conserved planarian, schistosome’s free-living evolutionary cousin, but function onecut changed evolution to support GSC maintenance.