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Molecular mechanisms underlying Drosophila melanogaster-mediated transport of the brewer's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Book - Dissertation

Normal 0 21 false false false NL-BE X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Yeast cells such as Saccharomyces cerevisae are free-living, unicellular organisms that measure approximately 5 µm in size. Like many other microorganisms, yeasts are incapable of active transport and only passive movements, over a small distance, can be achieved through flocculation or formation of hyphae. However, in order to colonize new niches the microorganisms need to cross larger distances. The primary mechanism for these large displacements is the transport by insects and other animal vectors. This movement of microorganisms is for example essential for industrial processes that rely on spontaneous fermentations, like the production of lambic beers in the Zenne area. However, spreading of microorganisms can have significant negative consequences. Bacteria, yeasts and fungi can cause disease in humans, animals and crops,resulting in disastrous economic and medical consequences. For example, contamination of figs with wild yeasts often causes 'fig souring' where the figs will rot while still on the tree and much of theharvest is lost. Yeast infections are also responsible for highmorbidity and mortality in humans. For example, Cryptococcus neoformans is the most important cause of death in patients infected with the HIV virus. Current medical practice focuses on curing patients but in case of contamination it is often too late for the growing population of immunocompromised patients. In all these cases preventing infection by limiting the movement of microbes could save many lives. This limitation of transport would also provide enormous benefits in mitigating epidemics. The above examples highlight the need to develop methods that limit the spreading of microorganisms. Vectors for this transport are mostly insects, but so far little is known about the mechanisms that allow this transport. The goal of this research project is to thoroughly characterize the relationship between vector and microbe usingtwo model organisms, the yeast S. cerevisiae and its mainvector, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Through various experimental setups and sequencing of yeast strains, we plan to identify genes that play a role in the transport of microorganisms by insects. This will include screening for genes that control the production of aroma compounds which may play a role in attracting insects. In fact, to date no physiological explanation has been discovered as to why S. cerevisiae produces these compounds. Furthermore we will examine the importance of genes that enable yeasts to stick to chitin because chitin is an important component of the exoskeleton of insects. The obtained knowledge about the molecular interactions and genes that lie at the basis of these interactions will thenbe used for the development and improvement of mechanisms that limitthe unwanted spreading of micro-organisms. 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Publication year:2015
Accessibility:Closed