Localization of mouse type 2 Alu sequence in schistosomes.

Abstract

Localization of the type 2 Alu sequence (B2), a highly repetitive DNA sequence in the mouse genome, was examined by in situ polymerase chain reaction (in situ PCR) in schistosomes. The signals to the B2 sequence were detected in the cytoplasm of the tegumental membrane and in the nuclei of the mesenchymal, testicular, ovarian and vitelline cells of 8-week Schistosoma japonicum. In contrast, it was difficult to detect any signals of this sequence in 8-week S. mansoni, whereas in 24-week male S. mansoni the signals were observed in the cytoplasm of the tegumental tubercles and in the nuclei of the mesenchymal and testicular cells. On the other hand, in 24-week female S. mansoni the signals were found in the nuclei of the mesenchymal, ovarian and vitelline cells but not found in the tegument. On the contrary, no hybridization band of the B2 sequence was detected in the amplified DNA of 3-week schistosomula of either species. These observations proved that the host DNA sequences existed in restricted schistosome cells and were accumulated in the schistosome body during their development.