Grantee Research Project Results
2006 Progress Report: Development of Methods for Control of Parasitic Nematodes
EPA Grant Number: X832282Center: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Center Director: Beachy, Roger N.
Title: Development of Methods for Control of Parasitic Nematodes
Investigators: Taylor, Christopher G. , Hresko, Michelle C. , Shortt, Barry J. , Williams, Deryck J. , Jez, Joseph M. , McCarter, James P. , Schubert, Karel
Current Investigators: Taylor, Christopher G. , Jez, Joseph M. , Schubert, Karel , McCarter, James P. , Williams, Deryck J. , Shortt, Barry J. , Hresko, Michelle C.
Institution: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: April 1, 2005 through December 31, 2008
Project Period Covered by this Report: April 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007
Project Amount: $969,000
RFA: Targeted Research Center (2004) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Targeted Research
Objective:
The development of new methods of nematode control requires a better understanding of the parasite and the parasitism process. To this end, scientists at Divergence and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center are elucidating the basic biology of nematode parasitism and using that information to produce novel methods of nematode control. In our proposal, we outlined methods and strategies to reach the following objectives:
- Development and characterization of new nematicidal molecules based upon identified nematode-specific methyl transferase targets.
- Development and characterization of new nematicidal molecules based upon identified nematode-specific amino acid metabolism targets.
- Identification and characterization of feeding site genes using laser-capture microdissection.
- Identification and characterization of new nematode target genes using laser-capture microdissection.
Progress Summary:
During the first year of the program we successfully identified inhibitors for two essential methyltransferases. The mechanism of inhibition has been determined and in the second year new inhibitors have been developed using the initial inhibitors as a scaffold. The laser capture-microdissection of nematode-induced giant cells has been optimized and the first round of microarrays has been completed. Finally, for the identification of new nematode-gene targets, the preservation and sectioning of nematodes is currently being optimized to ensure the isolation of specific target tissues.
Future Activities:
In the third year of the project, Aim 1 will continue to be expanded to identify and test inhibitors of the nematode-specific methyl-transfersase targets. For Aim 3, laser-capture microdissection of giant cells, RNA isolation, and microarray analysis will be completed. Aim 4 will continue with the preparation of nematodes and the optimization of RNA isolation from nematode intestinal cells for real-time PCR analysis and library production.
Journal Articles: 4 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
Other center views: | All 14 publications | 6 publications in selected types | All 4 journal articles |
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Brendza KM, Haakenson W, Cahoon RE, Hicks LM, Palavalli LH, Chiapelli BJ, McLaird M, McCarter JP, Williams DJ, Hresko MC, Jez JM. Phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PMT-1) catalyses the first reaction of a new pathway for phosphocholine biosynthesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. The Biochemical Journal 2007;404(3):439-448. |
X832282 (2006) |
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Fester T, Berg RH, Taylor CG. An easy method using glutaraldehyde‐introduced fluorescence for the microscopic analysis of plant biotrophic interactions. Journal of microscopy 2008;231(2):342-8. |
X832282 (Final) |
Exit |
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Jez JM. Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis as a potential target for inhibition of metabolism in parasitic nematodes. Current Enzyme Inhibition. 2007;3(2):133-42. |
X832282 (2006) X832282 (Final) |
Exit |
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Palavalli LH, Brendza KM, Haakenson W, Cahoon RE, McLaird M, Hicks LM, McCarter JP, Williams DJ, Hresko MC, Jez JM. Defining the role of phosphomethylethanolamine N-methyltransferase from Caenorhabditis elegans in phosphocholine biosynthesis by biochemical and kinetic analysis. Biochemistry 2006;45(19):6056-6065. |
X832282 (2005) X832282 (2006) X832282 (Final) |
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Supplemental Keywords:
nematode, root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), methyl transferase, phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferases, sinefungin, S-adenosyl homocysteine laser-capture microdissection,Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.