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Abstract
Probing protein function in parasitic flatworms is hampered by the difficulties associated
with the development of transgenic approaches. Although RNA interference (RNAi) in
schistosomes shows much promise, it has not been reported in other trematodes. Here,
we show the successful silencing of the cysteine proteases cathepsin B and L in the
infective stage of Fasciola hepatica newly excysted juveniles (NEJs). Silencing resulted
in marked reductions in target transcript levels and significant diminution in the
encoded proteins in the gut. RNAi of either enzyme in NEJs induced transient, abnormal
locomotory phenotypes, and significantly reduced penetration of the rat intestinal
wall.