VIPS · Venomics In Predator-prey Systems
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2017-09-01 → 2019-08-31
- EU contribution
- €185,076
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-ST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Venomics In Predator-prey Systems
VIPS research aims at understanding the biochemical basis of the predator-prey relationship in corals and corallivorous snails. Corals are venomous animals that produce complex venom delivered to preys or predators through specialized stinging cells, the nematocysts. Given their toxicity, only a few organisms have acquired the ability to feed on corals. Among them, VIPS project targets marine snails of the subfamily Coralliophilinae, which include species associated with a range of diverse corals, known to produce bioactive peptides and proteins as well in their foregut glands. Main aims of VIPS project include: - The identification of main bioactive components contained in the venom produced in the nematocysts of the corals and in the foregut glands of the snails - The clarification of the evolutionary role of venom diversification in predators and preys - The elucidation of mechanism of action of venom components from predators and preys, and their interaction at the molecular level The results will lead to a better understanding of the chemically mediated trophic interactions in the marine realm. Furthermore, novel bioactive venom peptides were discovered, some of which may have relevant activities for pharmacological, agro-chemical and bioengineering developments, with significant potential impacts on human health.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Marine invertebrates are a rich source of bioactive compounds, including complex venoms that are highly effective and specific, having evolved through million years of natural selection. Despite their potential for drug discovery, chemical diversity of animal venoms is largely uncharacterized. Recent venomics research led to important technological advances: it is time for an expansion to neglected organisms that could lead to the discovery of compounds with novel biological activities. The main goal of VIPS Project is to address the biochemical diversification of two previously untapped marine predator-prey systems involving an Anthozoan and a corallivorous snail, both producing toxic secretions. The Researcher will be integrated into the research environment of the Université de Montpellier, where the integration of different research fields (including genomics, proteomics, molecular evolution, peptide synthesis, and electrophysiology) will be used to discover and functionally characterize new bioactive compounds, define their interactions, highlight their evolutionary role and, through secondment, valorise their applicative potential. Focusing on venomous predator-prey couples is an innovative approach that will facilitate the identification of biological activity and evolutionary role of venom components. Wide diffusion of the VIPS Project will be ensured through open access to publications and data, and a variety of communication activities for the lay public that will exploit the appeal of predator-prey systems to highlight the link between basic and applied research. The activities of VIPS Project perfectly complement the background of the Researcher, allowing the achievement of full control over all stages of venomics research, and the development of new transferable skills that will foster her career. VIPS goals are highly relevant to Horizon2020, including the discovery of more efficient and specific drugs and the development of marine biotechnologies.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITE DE MONTPELLIER · MontpellierCoordinatorFrance
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union