Objectif Symbiosis is a major adaptive process allowing bacteria to interact with other organisms to colonise diverse and adverse environments. The genetic mechanisms behind these symbioses are poorly understood despite the fact that some have a major weight on human health and/or welfare. The goal of this project is to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in monospecific bacterial-host interactions, in particular those occurring between invertebrates and bacteria leading to disease transmission. As a tool, I will use a simple symbiosis model involving Drosophila melanogaster and Pectobacterium carotovorum (formerly Erwinia carotovora), two genetically tractable organisms which will enable the contributions from both the host vector and the bacterial infective agent to be studied. We predict that the genetic determinants of bacterial-host interactions do not differ much and in several cases may rely on a simple genetic basis: the acquisition of a single gene allowing bacteria to colonize the gut of the host. To confirm this hypothesis, we will study the role of EVF (Erwinia virulence factor) in the symbiotic relationship between P. carotovorum and D. melanogaster as well as that of EVF homologues in Photorhabdus luminescens and Xenorhabdus nematophila, both specific nematode symbionts and insect pathogens. In addition, we will dissect the cell-signalling systems, including bacterial quorum sensing, in the insect-borne transmission of P. carotovorum and study the impact of quorum-sensing interference (quorum quenching) in its prevention. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologycell signalingnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethologybiological interactionsnatural sciencesbiological scienceszoologyinvertebrate zoology Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Appel à propositions FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinateur FUNDACAO CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN Contribution de l’UE € 151 426,80 Adresse AVENIDA BERNA 45A 1067-001 LISBOA Portugal Voir sur la carte Région Continente Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Type d’activité Research Organisations Contact administratif José Mario Leite (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
