Bioprospecting opportunities at the interface between host and parasite genomes

Many species of parasites have evolved mechanisms to manipulate the physiology and behaviour of their hosts. Such effects include shifting energy flow within the host towards producing parasite biomass in stead of gonads (host castrators), or induce behav ioral patterns rendering the host more likely to be consumed by predators, thus fulfilling the parasites life cycle (parasite induced trophic transmission). In this way, parasites are in control of a biomass much larger than their own. Obviously, parasite s have co-evolved with their hosts and any effects on host immune and neuroendocrine systems have been tailored over evolutionary time, suggesting that maladaptive side effects have been minimized by natural selection. Using a combination of genomics, tra nscriptomics, and metabolomics approaches, this project aim to instigate research efforts towards specific neuroactive substances secreted by parasites. Two international workshops will be held, one aimed at international scientific experts to identify no vel model systems, and one aimed at industry partners and potential investors. A pilot study will investigate the specific case of a trematode which inhibits antipredator behaviour and inhibits neuroendocrine stress responses in the California killifish, Fundulus parvipinnis