Molecular approach to echinococcus granulosus development

Objective

The main objectIve of the present project is the understanding of the developmental processes that take place during the life cycle of E. granulosus. The knowledge of the basic processes involved in the parasite's - development could be important to understand the bases of the specificity of the host-parasite adaptation and could provide new tools to control hydatid disease. From a basic point of view, flatworms are particularly Interesting in Develpmental Biology since they are the first organisms With bilateral symmetry and an antero posterior identity, and they exhibit exceptional developmental behaviours (sexual and asexual reproductive phases, ability of intermediary stages to develop towards larval or adult forms, regeneration Processes in free-living organisms, among others). During the first phase of this project, different genomic and CDNA libraries were constructed. Several genes were isolated from these libraries and they were partially sequenced (genes encoding cytoskeletal proteins, a gene encoding thymidylate synthase, several homeobox-containing genes, ribosomal RNA genes and different repetitive sequences). In the second phase, the principal aim is the study of the expression of these genes, in particular looking for stage-specific expression during the parasite's life-cycle. The establishment of rellable specific expression systems appears as an essential requirement.
At the same time, particular emphasis will be laid on the search of hormone-like substances or hormone receptors encoded by the parasite. Finally, a complementary objective, related to the construction of live anti-helminthic vaccines, is focused in the improvement of the expression of plathyhelmint genes in Salmonella.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › biochemistry › biomolecules › proteins
• medical and health sciences › basic medicine › pharmacology and pharmacy › pharmaceutical drugs › vaccines
• natural sciences › biological sciences › genetics › RNA

Programme(s)

• FP3-STD 3 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of the life sciences and technologies for developing countries, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

Data not available

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Universidad de la República

Address

1674,tristan Narvaja
Montevideo
Uruguay

Participants (3)

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

United Kingdom

Address

Trinity Lane, The Old Schools,
CB2 1TN Cambridge

UNIVERSITE DE PARIS-SUD XI

France

Address

Rue Georges Clemenceau 15, Bftiment 400
91405 Gometz La Ville

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande doSul

Brazil

Address

9500,avenida Bento Gonçalves
91501 Porto Alegre