1. The development of P. trichosuri as a model for aging and parasitism research
Parastrongyloides trichosuri, a nematode parasite of the brush-tailed possum and sugar gliders, has the unusual characteristic of possessing both parasitic and non-parasitic free-living life cycles. The choice between the alternative life cycles is determined at the first larval stage by environmental conditions such as crowding or nutrient availability. Free-living adult worms live only a few days while parasitic adult worms can live at least several months. Because of these unique characteristics, P. trichosuri has excellent potential as a model for the discovery and characterization of genes required for parasitism and those responsible for longevity (gerontogenes). This potential is greatly enhanced by the development of a variety of useful methods by our collaborators at AgResearch in New Zealand (led by Dr. Warwick Grant). For example, we have developed methods for:
We are working with our NZ collaborators to further develop this model for studies on parasitism genes and gerontogenes.