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

Projektinformationen

NeuroHost-IntAct

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101150689

DOI

10.3030/101150689

Das Projekt endete am 28 März 2025

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 14 März 2024

Startdatum 15 September 2024

Enddatum 14 September 2026

Finanziert unter

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Gesamtkosten

Keine Daten

EU-Beitrag

€ 173 847,36

Koordiniert durch

FRIEDRICH-SCHILLER-UNIVERSITÄT JENA
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NeuroHost-IntAct (The role of neuropeptides in host-parasite interactions: From molecular signaling to behavioral responses)

Berichtszeitraum: 2024-09-15 bis 2026-09-14

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

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.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

As I had to terminate the project after less than three months, not much work had been completed. I mainly was able to start scouting the literature for helpful information and take a workshop on data management.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

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