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Pathogens and immune response of aqua-cultured bivalve molluscs

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Aquaculture is growing more rapidly than all other animal food producing sectors. Bivalve culture is steadingly growing in importance in the aquaculture of many European Union Member States. However, even though several bivalve diseases produce significant economic loses, no effective tools to fight against infectious diseases are available, and the knowledge on the immune mechanisms developed against infectious is very limited.

The main goal of this project is the characterization of pathology and the host-parasite relationships at ultra-structural level produced by the most important pathogens identified in the aqua-cultured bivalve molluscs, bacteria (Vibrio sp.) and parasites (Bonamia ostreae and Perkinsus atlanticus parasites of oysters Ostrea edulis and clams Ruditapes decussatus respectively) at different times of infection. In addition, the molecular basis of mollusc immune response developed against the infections will be studied. Cellular and humoral parameters, as well as oxygen and nitrogen free radicals production and antioxidant enzymes will be characterized in vitro.

The presence and location of enzymes associated to defence mechanism will be analysed by TEM immuno cytochemistry. The identification and characterization of new genes involved on the immune response of the bivalve molluscs against infections will be carried out. Once the genes are identified, recombinant proteins will be produced and their effect in bivalve mollusc immune function will be determined. The project will be centred in genes with immune relevance, specifically those involved in the expression of cytokine like molecules. The characterisation of immune genes with relevant role in immune defence can lead to identify marker genes that could later be used in the selection for resistance to the diseases of bivalve populations.

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

FP6-2002-MOBILITY-11
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CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
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