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Article
Neuromuscular function in plant parasitic nematodes: a target for novel control strategies?
Parasitology
  • M. J. Kimber, Iowa State University
  • C. C. Fleming, Queen's University Belfast
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
10-1-2005
DOI
10.1017/S0031182005009157
Abstract

Over the last decade the need for new strategies and compounds to control parasitic helminths has become increasingly urgent. The neuromuscular systems of these worms have been espoused as potential sources of target molecules for new drugs which may address this need. One facet of helminth neuromuscular biology which has garnered considerable research interest is that of neuropeptidergic neurotransmission, particularly regarding parasites of humans and animals, as well as free-living nematode model species. This research interest has been piqued by the fact that neuropeptides have been demonstrated to be fundamentally important to nematode biology and thus may be of utility in this search for new drug targets. This review focuses on the neuropeptide biology of plant parasitic nematodes, a subject which has been comparatively neglected despite the fact that the search for alternative control measures also extends to these economically important parasites. We focus on the FMRFamide-like peptide (FLP) neuropeptides and the complexity and distribution of this peptide family in plant parasitic nematodes. Possible roles for FLPs in plant parasitic nematode behaviour, as elucidated by a combination of molecular imaging techniques and RNA interference (RNAi), are discussed. We propose that disruption of FLP neurosignalling in plant parasitic nematodes represents a novel form of pest control and speculate as to how this may be achieved.

Comments

This article is from Parasitology 131 (2005): S129–S142, doi:10.1017/S0031182005009157. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
Cambridge University Press
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
M. J. Kimber and C. C. Fleming. "Neuromuscular function in plant parasitic nematodes: a target for novel control strategies?" Parasitology Vol. 131 Iss. S1 (2005) p. S129 - S142
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael-kimber/11/