A5016868993- Nematode management and characterization studies
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control
- Legume Nitrogen Fixing Symbiosis
- Helminth infection and control
- Insect Resistance and Genetics
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Plant Virus Research Studies
- Cholinesterase and Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Insect Pest Control Strategies
- Marine Ecology and Invasive Species
- Plant and animal studies
- Medicinal Plants and Neuroprotection
- Biological Research and Disease Studies
- Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Allelopathy and phytotoxic interactions
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics
- Agricultural safety and regulations
- Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation
- Natural Antidiabetic Agents Studies
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Soybean genetics and cultivation
- Transgenic Plants and Applications
Queen's University Belfast
2011-2022
Agri Food and Biosciences Institute
2020-2022
Teagasc - The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
2021
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the nematode responsible for a devastating epidemic of pine wilt disease in Asia and Europe, represents recent, independent origin plant parasitism nematodes, ecologically taxonomically distinct from other nematodes which genomic data available. As well as being an important pathogen, B. genome thus provides unique opportunity to study evolution mechanism parasitism. Here, we present high-quality draft sequence inbred line xylophilus, use this investigate...
While RNA interference (RNAi) has been deployed to facilitate gene function studies in diverse helminths, parasitic nematodes appear variably susceptible. To test if this is due inter-species differences RNAi effector complements, we performed a primary sequence similarity survey for orthologs of 77 Caenorhabditis elegans pathway proteins 13 nematode species which genomic or transcriptomic datasets were available, with all outputs subjected domain-structure verification. Our dataset spanned...
Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) seriously threaten global food security. Conventionally an integrated approach to PPN management has relied heavily on carbamate, organophosphate and fumigant nematicides which are now being withdrawn over environmental health safety concerns. This progressive withdrawal left a significant shortcoming in our ability manage these economically important parasites, highlights the need for novel robust control methods. Nematodes can assimilate exogenous peptides...
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) employ a sophisticated chemosensory apparatus to detect potential hosts. Understanding the molecular basis of relevant host-finding behaviours could facilitate improved EPN biocontrol approaches, and lend insight similar in economically important mammalian parasites. FMRFamide-like peptides are enriched conserved across Phylum Nematoda, have been linked with motor sensory function, including dispersal aggregating free living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans....
Abstract Plants are master regulators of rhizosphere ecology, secreting a complex mixture compounds into the soil, collectively termed plant root exudate. Root exudate composition is highly dynamic and functional, mediating economically important interactions between plants wide range soil organisms. Currently we know very little about molecular basis composition, which key hurdle to functional exploitation exudates for crop improvement. expressed transporters modulate could be manipulated...
Abstract Ecologists have long debated the properties that confer stability to complex, species‐rich ecological networks. Species‐level soil food webs are large and structured networks of central importance ecosystem functioning. Here, we conducted an analysis up‐to‐date set theoretical web models account both for realistic levels species richness most recent views on topological structure (who is connected whom) these webs. The network was best explained by two factors: strong correlations...
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with unmet medical need. This investigation consisted of testing range ethanolic ethnomedicinal plant extracts (n = 18) traditionally used in the treatment disorders such as anxiety, delirium, and memory loss. They were then screened for vitro inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butylcholinesterase (BuChE), beta-secretase 1/beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), antioxidant...
Abstract We present two novel bioassays to be used in the examination of plant-parasitic nematode host-finding ability. The hostfinding 'pipette-bulb assay' was constructed from modelled Pasteur pipette bulbs and connecting barrels using parafilm fastenings. This assay examines direction second-stage juvenile (J2) migration response a host seedling, through moistened sand substrate, which underlies terminal upward-facing 'seedling bulbs', one containing seedling potting compost, other with...
In BriefNeuropeptides are a type of signaling molecules that regulate certain behaviors.One such behavior is nictation, strategy used by pathogenic nematodes for host finding.These often commercially significant, as they can be utilized biopesticides in agriculture.Here, we have developed method using mass spectrometry to identify and quantify neuropeptides responsible nictation behavior.As result, were able demonstrate neuropeptide genes flp-7 flp-11 novel regulators nictation. Highlights•...
Abstract Background Steinernema carpocapsae is an entomopathogenic nematode that employs nictation and jumping behaviours to find potential insect hosts. Here we aimed investigate the transcriptional basis of variant host-finding in infective juvenile (IJ) stage three S. strains (ALL, Breton UK1), with a focus on neuronal genes known influence behaviour other species. Identifying gene expression changes correlate will further our understanding biology. Results RNA-seq analysis revealed...
Plants are master regulators of rhizosphere ecology, secreting a complex mixture compounds into the soil, collectively termed plant root exudate. Root exudate composition is highly dynamic and functional, mediating interactions between plants wide range beneficial / harmful soil organisms. Exudate under selective pressure to diversify in response pathogen perception, whilst maintaining with However, crop domestication has exerted significant unintended changes composition, we know very...
Whole transgenic or non-transgenic organism model systems allow the screening of pharmacological compounds for protective actions in Alzheimer's disease (AD).