UMMS researchers sequence hookworm genome

WORCESTER A group that includes local researchers has sequenced the genome of a type of worm known for infecting millions worldwide, a step that could aid scientists who are working on vaccines and treatments.

Raffi V. Aroian, a professor in molecular medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and UMass Researcher Assistant Professor Yan Hu were part of a team that found the blood-sucking hookworm known as A. ceylanicum has about 30,000 genes, according to an article published online Monday by the journal Nature Genetics. The team identified dozens of genes that might be targets for drug and vaccine studies.

Erich M. Schwarz of Cornell University, the study's lead author, and Mr. Aroian conceived the project to better understand a class of parasites that causes anemia and suffering, Mr. Aroian said.

"Know thy enemy, right?" Mr. Aroian said. "In other words, we learned a lot by sequencing the human genome. Modern medicine wouldn't be where it's at at all without the genome. In our case, it's knowing the genome of the parasite so we can determine what its potential weaknesses are."

Hookworm infection is mostly found in tropical and developing countries with poor hygiene and sanitation. The immature worms, or larvae, live in soil contaminated by feces from infected people.

The worms can burrow into the bare feet of humans, then travel to the intestines where they feed on blood, mature, mate and produce eggs.

The World Health Organization estimated in 2009 that 2 billion people worldwide were infected with soil-transmitted worms, including hookworms.

Contact Lisa Eckelbecker at lisa.eckelbecker@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @LisaEckelbecker.

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UMMS researchers sequence hookworm genome