HEИндивидуална стипендия2024–2026

NeuroHost-IntAct · The role of neuropeptides in host-parasite interactions: From molecular signaling to behavioral responses

„Хоризонт Европа“ — Действия „Мария Склодовска-Кюри“

Период: 2024-09-15 → 2026-09-14
Финансиране от ЕС: 173 847 €
Участници: 1
Схема: HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF

Линиите свързват координатора с партньорите.

Накратко на български

Неуропептидите при нематоморфните паразити се изследват, за да се разбере как те принуждават насекомите-гостоприемници да се хвърлят във водата и да се удавят. Това помага да се разберат механизмите на поведението при паразитите и взаимодействието между различните видове животни.

Този кратък обзор е генериран от изкуствен интелект

Кратко обяснение, генерирано от езиков модел по текста на CORDIS. Оригиналът е по-долу.

Резултати накратко

The role of neuropeptides in host-parasite interactions: From molecular signaling to behavioral responses

Parasites play crucial roles in ecological, economic, and evolutionary contexts. Understanding the mechanisms behind successful infection is of great interest to biologists, epidemiologists, and agricultural scientists alike. Many parasites, especially those with complex life-cycles (i.e. involving several hosts), adopt a common strategy of manipulating host behavior to enhance transmission. The molecular mechanisms responsible for host manipulation remain poorly understood, leading to a significant knowledge gap in understanding parasite evolution, distribution, and their broader impact on ecosystems. The goal of this project was to shed light on the mechanisms underlying behavioral manipulation on the example of nematomorph parasitoids. Adult nematomorphs exhibit the remarkable ability to compel their final insect hosts to seek out water and drown themselves, facilitating the nematomorphs’ transition into freshwater habitats. Host-parasite interactions require a high degree of biochemical co-evolution and communication, which is why we decided to investigate the role of neuropeptides in nematomorph host manipulation. The three main aims of the project were: 1) Analyze the neuropeptide complement of parasite and host 2) Determine the binding affinity of host receptors to parasites neuropeptides 3) Study the effects of the peptide-receptor interactions on host behavior By studying how nematomorphs interact with the host, we can identify genetic and physiological adaptations that have allowed them to survive as parasites and gain insight into how they interact with their hosts. The results could not only contribute to our understanding of host manipulation by nematomorphs but will also establish a basis for studying other parasites and animal cross-species interactions, including those with significant medical and agricultural implications.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз

Цел на проекта

Parasites can be found everywhere, playing crucial roles in ecological, economical, and evolutionary contexts. Despite this, host-parasite interactions, particularly those involving parasites that manipulate their hosts’ behavior to enhance transmission, are severely understudied. We therefore lack the knowledge to fully understand parasite evolution, ecology, and ecosystem impact. To begin uncovering the molecular basis of host manipulation, I aim to study the parasitic horsehair worm Gordionus violaceus, known for its ability to force its arthropod host into drowning itself. I will analyze the neuropeptide (NP) complement, binding affinities, and behavioral consequences of host manipulation. To do so, I will identify NPs and receptors in G. violaceus and its host, the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, via a bioinformatics survey and validate my results via Mass Spectrometry. Next, I will assess the binding affinity between candidate parasite NPs and host receptors by transfecting cells and measuring their luminescence response. Lastly, I will validate the functionality of the candidate NPs and receptors in a behavioral assay, exploring water-seeking, suicidal and predator avoidance behavior in crickets exposed to the candidate NPs as well as crickets infected with G. violaceus. Introducing single and multiple injections will allow me to discern dose-response relationships. This proposal integrates cutting-edge techniques in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and behavioral analysis, offering a holistic approach to untangle the intricate NP dynamics within a host-parasite system. As we start to understand host-parasite interactions and manipulation we can gain crucial insights into the delicate balance of co-existence between organisms, shedding light on the ecological dynamics and the remarkable strategies that parasites have evolved to ensure their survival and transmission within complex ecosystems.

Оригинален текст от CORDIS (на английски).

Участници

FRIEDRICH-SCHILLER-UNIVERSITÄT JENA · JENAКоординаторГермания