Authors

Discussion

Schistosomiasis, also known as Bilharzia, is a severely neglected tropical disease that ranks second only to Malaria in causing human disease and death. Despite its severity, Praziquantel (PZQ) remains the sole major therapeutic agent in use for over a generation. This has led to growing concerns about potential resistance development, underscoring the need for new treatment strategies. This study explores the complex molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression in Schistosoma mansoni, one of the three predominant species that causes schistosomiasis. Our primary focus is on the Bromodomain-containing protein 3 (SmBRD3), a gene product highly expressed during the miracidia stage of the S. mansoni life cycle and likely involved in epigenetic-mediated regulation of gene activity. Building on our previous studies that have identified small molecule inhibitors of SmBRD3 function, here we are characterizing an anti-SmBRD3 antibody that may assist in our further understanding of this epigenetic regulator. To date, western blot analyses of miracidial samples have revealed additional immunoreactive bands beyond our predicted target that may indicate loose specificity, cross-reactivity with other SmBRD members or SmBRD3 instability. These immunoreactive proteins underwent mass spectrometry for precise protein identification and optimization. Results, however, were unable to identify any peptides belonging to SmBRD3. Therefore, future plans involve further characterization of this antibody using Immunoprecipitation. The findings from this research could pave the way for the development of innovative strategies that target epigenetic regulators, offering a promising approach to combat parasitic infections.