Experimental test of the consequences of host-parasite co-evolution

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Hinrich Schulenburg
• Subject Area: Evolutionary Cell and Developmental Biology (Zoology)
• Term: from 2007 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 43577956

Co-evolutionary interactions between host and parasite are predicted to be of prime importance in the evolution of organisms and biological mechanisms. Although they have been intensively studied theoretically, convincing empirical evidence is still scarce. The proposed project provides a comprehensive experimental test of the consequences of host-parasite co-evolution with a focus on seven key predictions. It is based on a co-evolution selection experiment under controlled laboratory conditions followed by extensive phenotypic and molecular analysis. The approach relies on a unique model system, consisting of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a host and its micro-parasite Bacillus thuringiensis, which are both ideally suited to a versatile experimental analysis. The results of this project are expected to have an impact on four biological research themes that are of particular current interest: the animal innate immune system, bacterial virulence, life-history trade-offs, and the maintenance and generation of biological diversity.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants