Objective
Parasites can be found everywhere, playing crucial roles in ecological, economical, and evolutionary contexts. Despite this, host-parasite interactions, particularly those involving parasites that manipulate their hosts’ behavior to enhance transmission, are severely understudied. We therefore lack the knowledge to fully understand parasite evolution, ecology, and ecosystem impact.
To begin uncovering the molecular basis of host manipulation, I aim to study the parasitic horsehair worm Gordionus violaceus, known for its ability to force its arthropod host into drowning itself. I will analyze the neuropeptide (NP) complement, binding affinities, and behavioral consequences of host manipulation. To do so, I will identify NPs and receptors in G. violaceus and its host, the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, via a bioinformatics survey and validate my results via Mass Spectrometry. Next, I will assess the binding affinity between candidate parasite NPs and host receptors by transfecting cells and measuring their luminescence response. Lastly, I will validate the functionality of the candidate NPs and receptors in a behavioral assay, exploring water-seeking, suicidal and predator avoidance behavior in crickets exposed to the candidate NPs as well as crickets infected with G. violaceus. Introducing single and multiple injections will allow me to discern dose-response relationships.
This proposal integrates cutting-edge techniques in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and behavioral analysis, offering a holistic approach to untangle the intricate NP dynamics within a host-parasite system. As we start to understand host-parasite interactions and manipulation we can gain crucial insights into the delicate balance of co-existence between organisms, shedding light on the ecological dynamics and the remarkable strategies that parasites have evolved to ensure their survival and transmission within complex ecosystems.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology ecosystems
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology invertebrate zoology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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)
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.
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
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-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.
07743 JENA
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.