Parasitic nematode infections are a major constraint on sustainable livestock production worldwide, causing significant economic losses, compromising animal welfare, and increasing dependence on chemical anthelmintic drugs. The rapid and widespread emergence of resistance to all major anthelmintic classes has created an urgent need for novel, sustainable, and low-residue parasite control strategies, aligning directly with European priorities on sustainable agriculture, reduced chemical inputs, and resilient food systems. Natural bioactive compounds have emerged as promising alternatives to synthetic drugs. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) derived from seaweeds have shown anthelmintic activity against parasitic nematodes. However, prior to this project, their mechanisms of action were poorly understood, limiting rational optimisation and safe application in animal health systems. Addressing this mechanistic gap was essential for enabling translation of PUFA-based strategies into sustainable parasite control solutions.
The overall objective of the SeaWeedWorm project was to elucidate the mechanistic basis of PUFA-induced nematode toxicity using the genetically tractable model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. By integrating phenotypic, ultrastructural, transcriptomic, and functional approaches, the project aimed to move beyond descriptive observations and provide systems-level insight into how PUFAs disrupt nematode biology.
Specifically, the project sought to:
• Characterise phenotypic and structural effects of PUFAs on nematodes.
• Identify molecular pathways perturbed by sub-lethal PUFA exposure; and
• Functionally validate key cellular processes affected, particularly those linked to mitochondrial function and stress responses.
The pathway to impact envisaged was mechanistic discovery leading to biological understanding and longer-term translational potential. By identifying conserved cellular pathways targeted by PUFAs, the project generated foundational knowledge to support the development of sustainable anthelmintic strategies, including bioactive feeds, nutraceuticals, and lead compounds for drug discovery. Although pre-translational, the outcomes are directly relevant to agricultural, environmental, and industrial needs.
Overall, the project addresses a global livestock health challenge with implications for food security, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare, and contributes to European and international efforts to promote resilient and environmentally responsible livestock systems.
