Progress on the transcriptomics of carcinogenic liver flukes of humans-Unique biological and biotechnological prospects

Abstract

Liver flukes, such as Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini, are food-borne parasites that have a major impact on the health of humans and animals, particularly in Asia. However, the impact of C. sinensis and O. viverrini, in particular, is exacerbated in that these parasites can induce a malignant, untreatable cancer (cholangiocarcinoma, CCA) in chronically infected people. As a result, these flukes are classified as Group 1 carcinogens. Despite their substantial socio-economic importance, little is known about these parasites and their relationship with the definitive hosts at the molecular level. Here, we provide a background on these two carcinogenic flukes and review recent pro..