Optimizing a C. elegans whole organism screen biased for chemicals that target the nematode clade specific receptor EAT-2

TL;DR

The paper describes a method to find chemicals that target a specific receptor in C. elegans, which could lead to new ways to control parasitic nematodes.

Contribution

The study introduces a screening platform focused on the EAT-2 receptor in C. elegans to identify potential nematicide compounds.

Findings

Screening for chemicals that inhibit C. elegans pharyngeal pumping in lev-1(x427) identifies lead compounds modulating EAT-2 function.

The EAT-2 receptor is a potential target for novel nematicides based on its role in nematode feeding behavior.

Abstract

Pesticides are important resources in the control of pests and pathogens of plants and animals. Unfortunately, there are concerns around their broad impacts on non-target organisms and the environment. In this study we optimize a platform biased for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
EAT-2
, a physiological regulator of feeding in

C. elegans
.

We show that by screening for chemicals that inhibit

C. elegans

pharyngeal pumping in

lev-1
(
x427
)

, we can identify lead compounds that modulate
EAT-2
function. This provides a motivation for further studies to investigate the role of
EAT-2
in parasitic nematodes and their potential as a target for novel nematicides.

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