# 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.

## Key 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.