Project description
The determinants of fungal infections in amphibians
The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis can parasitise amphibians such as frogs and cause disease with devastating consequences including species extinction. Understanding the crosstalk between parasite and host may help unveil the pressure put on infected populations. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the Bombina21 project aims to investigate the impact of the host genetic background on infection outcome. The working hypothesis is that hybrid species have stronger immunity against chytrid fungus than single species. Researchers will study for the first time the skin microbiome of amphibians to elucidate its role in infection outcome.
Objective
World-wide declines in amphibian populations have led to many local and global extinctions, and are connected to the global spread chytrid fungus (Bd). Because few animals survive infection, Bd poses a strong selection pressure in infected populations. Hybrid zones, where two species meet and reproduce, are an ideal setting for research on adaptation, as different combinations of gene variants are tested. However, two contrasting hypotheses exist on the role of hybridisation in infection resistance. Genetic incompatibilities between diverging populations limit gene flow between closely related species, and cause lower fitness in hybrids. Thus, the first hypothesis postulates that the negative impact of pathogens is higher in hybrid zone populations than in populations comprising a single species. The second hypothesis proposes that the resistance of a hybrid population towards pathogens is strengthened by the coexistence of multiple immune gene variants, in comparison to populations comprising a single species.
The two species of yellow-bellied and red-bellied toads (Bombina) are an ideal system to investigate these hypotheses, as 1) their hybrid zone has been well-studied before using various - but few - genetic markers, and 2) toads of these species have previously been found to be infected with Bd.
On a side note, the skin microbiome of amphibians is different between healty individuals and individuals infected with Bd. To date, little is known about the interaction between Bd infection and the skin microbiome, and even less is known about this effect in Bombina.
With this action, I aim to investigate the role of hybridisation in pathogen resistance in amphibian populations. I will also explore changes in composition of the amphibian skin microbiome in response to Bd infection. I will use the genus Bombina as a model system - employing 21st century sequencing technology.
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Keywords
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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