Functional genomics perspectives on <i>Biomphalaria glabrata</i>

Results show that dietary composition substantially reprogrammes the snail transcriptome, impacting pathways involved in growth, reproduction, and survival. These findings enhance understanding of how diet shapes gene–phenotype relationships and highlight candidate pathways that could be targeted to regulate snail populations. RNAi, an important tool for functional genomics, was also explored.

Comparative genomic analyses revealed that classical RNAi-spreading proteins, such as Systemic RNAi Defective (SID) proteins, are absent in B. glabrata and related some other schistosomiasis vectors. Instead, systemic RNAi is likely mediated by vesicle-trafficking proteins, advancing knowledge of molluscan RNAi biology. Attempts to apply RNAi experimentally for gene silencing faced technical challenges, with limited success despite methodological refinements.

These efforts nonetheless provided valuable insights for improving RNAi protocols in snails. Collectively, this work deepens understanding of the diet–genome–phenotype nexus in B. glabrata and clarifies aspects of its RNAi machinery. By addressing fundamental gaps, it provides a foundation for future functional validation of candidate genes and the development of novel, environmentally sustainable snail control strategies to aid schistosomiasis elimination.