CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR STUDIES ON ASCARIS NEUROPEPTIDES

该项目的总体目标是识别细胞特异性 蛔虫神经元的分子标记，特别是小的 参与细胞间信号传导的分子。 在 过去，我们一直专注于经典的化学递质， 参与突触传递。 我们现在最感兴趣的是 神经肽在突触传递和非突触传递中的作用 突触细胞间信号传导。 在目前的资助期内，我们 将专注于获得内源性生物活性的序列， 蛔虫肽，这样它们就可以合成足够大的 允许电生理学实验对他们的数量 作用于蛔虫的神经肌肉系统。 对蛔虫的神经系统有了基本的了解， 这一点很重要，因为蛔虫是研究的模式线虫 控制线虫的运动 蛔虫运动神经 系统在解剖学上与其他线虫相似，因此， 可以合理地假设，这种相似性也适用于 功能层面。 通过研究潜在的机制， 蛔虫神经肌肉系统的活动。的作用 神经肽在控制这种活动，一般原则 应用于其他线虫将被发现。这种基本的 对线虫神经系统的了解将使 对寄生虫生物学的贡献，并允许在 宿主和寄生虫之间的生物学被确定为目标 驱虫药 鉴于农业的影响，？ 线虫对食物供应的影响，以及它们作为动物引起的问题 和人类寄生虫，特别是在热带和经济欠发达地区， 在发达国家，这是一个重要的健康相关目标。

The overall aim of this project is to identify cell specific molecular markers in neurons of Ascaris, especially the small molecules that are involved in intercellular signalling. In the past we have concentrated on the classical chemical transmitters involved in synaptic transmission. We are now most interested in the role of neuropeptides both in synaptic transmission and in non- synaptic intercellular signalling. In the present grant period we will concentrate on obtaining the sequences of endogenous bioactive Ascaris peptides, so that they can be synthesized in large enough quantities to permit electrophysiological experiments on their action on the neuromuscular system of Ascaris. Gaining a basic understanding of the Ascaris nervous system is important since Ascaris is a model nematode in which to investigate the control of locomotion in nematodes. The Ascaris motor nervous system is anatomically similar to that of other nematodes, so it is reasonable to assume that this similarity will also apply at the functional level. By studying the mechanisms underlying the activity of the neuromuscular system of Ascaris. and the role of neuropeptides in controlling this activity, general principles applying to other nematodes will be found. This basic understanding of the nematode nervous system will make a contribution to parasite biology, and allow differences in the biology between host and parasite to be identified as targets for anthelmintic drugs. In view of the agricultural impact o? nematodes on food supplies, and the problems they cause as animal and human parasites, especially in tropic and economically less- developed countries, this is an important health-related goal.