Bioprospecting opportunities at the interface between host and parasite genomes

Ane Gro Siri Skjelfjord

Mot et internasjonalt konsortium med fokus på parasitt-vertsdyr-systemer

Prosjektleder: Øyvind Øverli

Prosjektmål:
I Initiate international consortium to map bioprospecting opportunities in host-parasite systems

II Perform pilot study on the California killifish-Euhaplorchis californiensis system, a case of parasite mediated host behaviour modification

III. Communicate outcomes to position the consortium for full scale R&D projects aiming to commercialise bioactive agents from host-parasite systems.

Many species of parasites have evolved mechanisms to manipulate the physiology and behaviour of their hosts. Such effects include shifting energy flow within the host towards producing parasite biomass instead of gonads (host castrators), or induce behavioral patterns rendering the host more likely to be consumed by predators, thus fulfilling the parasites life cycle (parasite induced trophic transmission). In this way, parasites are in control of a biomass much larger than their own. Obviously, parasites have co-evolved with their hosts and any effects on host immune and neuroendocrine systems have been tailored over evolutionary time, suggesting that maladaptive side effects have been minimized by natural selection. Using a combination of genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics approaches, this project aims to instigate research efforts towards specific neuroactive substances secreted by parasites. Two international workshops wilI be held, one aimed at international scientific experts to identify novel model systems, and one aimed at industry partners and potential investors. A pilot study will investigate the specific case of a trematode which inhibits antipredator behaviour and inhibits neuroendocrine stress responses in the California killifish, Fundulus parvipinnis

Oppdatert: 15.10.10
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