A DAF-3 co-Smad molecule functions in Haemonchus contortus development

BACKGROUND: The Smad proteins function in TGF-β signalling transduction. In the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the co-Smad, DAF-3 mediates R-Smads and performs a central role in DAF-7 signal transduction, regulating dauer formation and reproductive processes. Considering the divergent evolutionary patterns of the DAF-7 signalling pathway in parasitic nematodes, it is meaningful to explore the structure and function of DAF-3 in parasitic nematodes, such as Haemonchus contortus. METHODS: A daf-3 gene (Hc-daf-3) and its predicted product (Hc-DAF-3) were identified from H. contortus and characterised using integrated genomic and genetic approaches. In addition to immunohistochemistry employed to localise Hc-DAF-3 within adult worm sections, real-time PCR was conducted to assess the transcriptional profiles in different developmental stages of H. contortus and RNA interference (RNAi) was performed in vitro to assess the functional importance of Hc-daf-3 in the development of H. contortus. RESULTS: Hc-DAF-3 sequences predicted from Hc-daf-3 displayed typical features of the co-Smad subfamily. The native Hc-DAF-3 was localised to the gonad and cuticle of adult parasites. In addition, Hc-daf-3 was transcribed in all developmental stages studied, with a higher level in the third-stage larvae (L3) and adult females. Moreover, silencing Hc-daf-3 by RNAi retarded L4 development. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study demonstrated an important role of Hc-DAF-3 in the development of H. contortus larvae.