Project description
Uncovering the secrets of marine parasites
In the vast expanse of our oceans, intricate ecological networks, like the microbial loop, govern carbon cycling. While we comprehend carbon fixation, factors beyond predation influencing cell death and carbon release remain elusive. Microbial parasites, particularly in marine environments, wield significant influence by triggering algal bloom collapses and altering phytoplankton populations. Yet, our understanding of these host-parasite interactions is hindered by a lack of model systems. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the PhytoParasite project explores the complexities of marine parasitism, using an emerging model system to decipher ecological implications and genetic underpinnings. The findings will inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental change.
Objective
"Marine ecosystems are dependent on complex ecological networks. One such network is the ""microbial loop"" which defines global oceans by influencing carbon cycling through the fixation and release of carbon by microorganisms. Although carbon fixation is well understood, factors beyond predation that impact cell death and carbon release remain understudied . Microbial marine parasites can greatly impact carbon release by driving the collapse of massive algal blooms and impacting phytoplankton population sizes. However, our understanding of the mechanisms governing these host-parasite interactions are limited, largely due to a lack of tractable model systems. The PhytoParasite project will address this issue by developing an emerging host–parasite model system comprised of the bloom–forming diatom, Coscinodiscus radiatus, and the zoosporic parasite, Pirsonia diadema, with the goal of answering fundamental questions about the ecological implications, molecular mechanisms, and evolution of phytoplankton parasites. To this end, I will (1) investigate the ecological implications of these parasites by using live–cell fluorescence microscopy to understand the effects of environmental factors on infection dynamics, (2) identify genes involved in parasitism and host responses by performing single–cell RNA sequencing during infection progression, and (3) uncover the mechanisms underlying the parasitic interaction and its evolutionary history using functional experiments and comparative genomics. This work will reveal the ecological implications and genetic underpinning of this important interaction, help develop a framework for understanding the evolution of eukaryotic parasitism, and importantly provide a new model system for understanding microbial interactions in our rapidly changing oceans."
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 physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology ecosystems
- natural sciences biological sciences biological behavioural sciences ethology biological interactions
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology
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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)
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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-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.
1010 Wien
Austria
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