2 Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
Soil-dwelling helminths such as hookworms, whipworms, and Ascaris infect hundreds of millions of people globally, and also infect livestock and crops. Dick Davis (University of Colorado School of Medicine) gave an overview of Ascaris, highlighting resources, tools, and key questions in this system. Two fascinating features of the system he discussed were somatic DNA elimination, in which 15% of the genome is removed in somatic cells during embryogenesis, and early zygotic genome transcription commencing remarkably early (immediately following fertilization). Elissa Hallem (UCLA) discussed parasitic nematode sensory behaviors with respect to host seeking. Using both Strongyloides nematodes and C. elegans, her group is exploring the neurobiology of how parasites find their hosts. Tiffany Baiocchi, a PhD student with Adler Dillman (University of California, Riverside) presented her work on novel odorants produced from nematode-parasitized insect cadavers and the behavioral responses this odorant triggers in both free-living and parasitic nematodes. Jonathan Ewbank (Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille- Luminy) gave a lightning talk on assembling the Nippostrongyloides brasieliensis genome and dealing with complex repeats; this nematode is a parasite of rodents and a useful model for human hookworm infection.
Two experts discussed filarial parasites, a group of nematodes that cause lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. Several of these species carry obligate endosymbiotic bacteria (Wolbachia), which is an attractive therapeutic target. Malina Bakowski (California Institute for Biomedical Research) discussed her high-throughput screens to identify potent anti-Wolbachia molecules. Sara Lustigman (New York Blood Center) presented on the role of “omics” and molecular tools in Brugia species efforts to eliminate nematodes that cause the human disease filariasis. Conor Caffrey (University of California, San Diego) also presented a high-content screening system for flatworms which cause schistosomiasis.
Adrian Wolstenholme (University of Georgia) discussed the problem of resistance to anthelminthics and the mechanisms of resistance. His group uses a combination of heterologous studies in C. elegans and work in parasites such as Brugia malayi and Haemonchus contortus to explore potential mechanisms of resistance to drugs such as ivermectin and diethylcarbamizine. Nidhi Sharma, a Ph.D student with John Gilleard (University of Calgary) presented a lightning talk on the role of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes in benzimidazole drug biotransformation by nematodes. Keeping with the theme of glycosylation, Patricia Berninsone (University of Nevada, Reno) gave a lightning talk on her identification of nematode phosphorylcholine-modified N-glycoproteins using C. elegans.
This was the third time that the workshop was held and it brought together 77 participants to explore a range of approaches and systems to explore parasitic nematode biology and to define areas where C. elegans researchers can make significant impact. Going forward, we aim to integrate the workshop into regular program of the worm meeting as having it beforehand limits the ability of some researchers attend. Look for us at the 2019 Worm Meeting!
Articles submitted to the Worm Breeder's Gazette should not be cited in bibliographies. Material contained here should be treated as personal communication and cited as such only with the consent of the author.
[…] Dr. Ward was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to organize a workshop at the 2017 International C. elegansmeeting designed to educate and promote interactions and collaborations between the parasitic roundworm community and C. elegansresearchers. The workshop included over 70 participants and was so successful that Dr. Ward will organize a similar event in 2019. This workshop personifies Dr. Ward’s excitement for, “understanding how gene regulation controls development and extending these findings into a parasitic nematode.” His review of the workshop can be found here: http://wbg.wormbook.org/2018/07/17/review-of-3rd-parasitic-nematodes-bridging-the-divide-workshop/ […]