1. The developmental lipidome of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.
- Author
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Wang, Tao, Leeming, Michael G., Williamson, Nicholas A., Bouchery, Tiffany, Doolan, Rory, Le Gros, Graham, Reid, Gavin E., Harris, Nicola L., and Gasser, Robin B.
- Subjects
LIQUID chromatography-mass spectrometry ,CELL membranes ,MASS spectrometry ,ENERGY storage ,GLYCEROPHOSPHOLIPIDS - Abstract
Background: Nippostrongylus brasiliensis—a nematode of rodents—is commonly used as a model to study the immunobiology of parasitic nematodes. It is a member of the Strongylida—a large order of socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes of animals. Lipids are known to play essential roles in nematode biology, influencing cellular membranes, energy storage and/or signalling. Methods: The present investigation provides a comprehensive, untargeted lipidomic analysis of four developmental stages/sexes (i.e. egg, L3, adult female and adult male stages) of N. brasiliensis utilising liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Results: We identified 464 lipid species representing 18 lipid classes and revealed distinct stage-specific changes in lipid composition throughout nematode development. Triacylglycerols (TGs) dominated the lipid profile in the egg stage, suggesting a key role for them in energy storage at this early developmental stage. As N. brasiliensis develops, there was a conspicuous transition toward membrane-associated lipids, including glycerophospholipids (e.g. PE and PC) and ether-linked lipids, particularly in adult stages, indicating a shift toward host adaptation and membrane stabilisation. Conclusions: We provide a comprehensive insight into the lipid composition and abundance of key free-living and parasitic stages of N. brasiliensis. This study provides lipidomic resources to underpin the detailed exploration of lipid biology in this model parasitic nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2025
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