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Anderson, Alexandra and Mcmullan, Rachel
(2012).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4161/worm.20466
Abstract
Animals have evolved multiple strategies for coping with the presence of pathogenic microbes. The best characterized is the immune response where animals activate their physical and cellular defenses to respond to invading microorganisms. However, behavioral changes can also be triggered by exposure to microbes and play an important role in defending many species, including humans, from pathogen attack. In our recent study we demonstrate that, following infection, C. elegans uses the same G-protein signaling pathway in neurons and epithelial cells to coordinate avoidance behaviors and immune responses. Coordination of these responses allows animals to mount an immune response to the immediate threat while simultaneously taking action to remove the pathogen, however, the complicated nature of the mammalian brain and immune system has made it difficult to identify the molecular mechanisms mediating these interactions. With its simple, well described, nervous system and a rapidly growing understanding of its immune system, C. elegans has emerged as an excellent model to study the mechanisms by which animals recognize pathogens and coordinate behavioral and immune responses to infection.
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About
- Item ORO ID
- 44157
- Item Type
- Journal Item
- ISSN
- 2162-4054
- Project Funding Details
-
Funded Project Name Project ID Funding Body Genetic analysis of post-developmental Rho GTPase signaling: identification and characterization of Rho signaling pathways required during the C. elegans immune response. (Transfer In) 088409/B/09/Z Wellcome Trust - Keywords
- infection; behavior; immune response; neuronal function; G-protein; Rho GTPase
- Academic Unit or School
-
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Life, Health and Chemical Sciences
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - Research Group
- Neuroscience Research Group
- Copyright Holders
- © 2012 Landes Bioscience
- Depositing User
- Rachel McMullan