Investigation of the host cell feeding mechanisms of Cryptocaryon irritans.

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K14914
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 40040:Aquatic life science-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo (2022-2023); Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (2021)
• Principal Investigator: Watanabe Yuho 東京大学, 大学院農学生命科学研究科(農学部), 助教 (40895893)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 寄生虫 / 原虫 / 繊毛虫 / 摂餌 / アポトーシス / ゲノム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The fish parasitic ciliate Cryptocaryon irritans is hypothesised to induce apoptosis in host cells, feeds on them and grows. This phenomenon is considered to be important for the survival strategy of the parasite, and elucidation of this phenomenon will assist in the development of control methods. In this study, it was demonstrated that host cells around the parasite undergo apoptosis and that the parasite feeds on them, providing fundamental knowledge on the feeding mechanism of the parasite. In addition, whole genome and transcriptome analyses were attempted to obtain sequence information and knowledge on the expression levels of various genes of the parasite.

Free Research Field

魚病学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

海産白点虫は海産白点病の原因寄生虫である。海産白点病は海面生簀など様々な温水性海産魚養殖場で発生し、大きな産業被害を引き起こすことがあるが、有効な防除法は確立されていない。本研究では、本虫の摂餌機構の一端の解明に加えて、情報が不足していた多くの遺伝子情報の取得にも成功した。これらの成果は本虫に関する研究の基盤となる多くの情報を提供し、今後の対策研究を進展させることに貢献すると考えられる。