Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda) induces changes in expression of select genes of Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera).

The flour beetle Tribolium confusum is a common experimental intermediate host for the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta, but while many aspects of their host-parasite interactions have been determined to have genetic basis, the genes involved have not been identified. In this paper, we report on the expression of several predicted metabolic and defense-related genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction 2 weeks after initial infection of the beetle. The expression of heat shock protein 68, a predicted sugar transporter, a pheromone binding protein, and endoglin were up-regulated in infected beetles. The expression of thaumatin-like protein and prophenoloxidase 2/3 was down-regulated in infected beetles, while the mRNA levels of Toll-like receptor 3, Toll-like receptor 4, and lysozyme 4 were not affected by infection with H. diminuta.