Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C519438/1
A matter of taste: revealing underlying mechanisms behind recognition of prey by protozooplankton, focusing on the role of the Mannose-Binding Lectin.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr E Roberts, Swansea University, Biological Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor M Zubkov, Scottish Association For Marine Science, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory
- Co-Investigator:
- Miss E Wootton, Swansea University, College of Science
- Grant held at:
- Swansea University, Biological Sciences
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Behavioural Ecology
- Community Ecology
- Abstract:
- Plankton are fundamentally important organisms within the marine environment, forming the very base of almost all marine food webs. This diverse group of organisms are frequently referred to as being either phytoplankton (photosynthetic plankton, considered to be the main primary producers within our oceans) or zooplankton (planktonic grazers which feed on phytoplankton and/or bacteria). A key group of zooplankton are protozooplankton, which are singled celled organisms, mainly consisting of flagellate and ciliate species. These minute grazers form a key trophic link between organisms at the base of the marine food web and larger planktonic predators. They are also critically important as nutrient recyclers within the marine environment, particularly in the case of nitrogen. Many species of protozooplankton can be considered fussy feeders, preferring certain prey items over others. Through their selective feeding activities, protozooplankton play a highly significant role in shaping the composition and structure of bacterial and phytoplankton communities. Because of the sheer abundance of these organisms within the oceans, this has important global implications, effecting how key elements, such as carbon and nitrogen, are cycled within aquatic environments. There is now much evidence to suggest that protozooplankton can discriminate between similar-sized prey items based on differences in cell-surface chemical composition of their prey. Within our previous grant, we were able to identify a receptor used by one predatory flagellate species to recognise specific chemicals present on the surface of their prey. The receptor belongs to a group of proteins called lectins, which are able to bind to specific sugars. Blocking the receptor resulted in a significant drop in feeding rate of the flagellate predator. Interestingly, white blood cells within our circulation system, use the same type of receptor in order to recognise and destroy potentially harmful micro-organisms which enter our bodies. This means, that in addition to being relevant to marine food webs, our results may shed light on the early origins of receptors involved with the innate immune system. Within this grant, we will develop markers specific to the protozoan feeding receptor. We can then apply these markers in order to determine how commonly the receptor occurs amongst different species of marine flagellates and ciliates. We will also use these markers in feeding experiments. Through blocking the receptor, we will be able to determine to what extent different species of protozooplankton use the lectin in order to recognise their prey. We will also determine whether expression of the receptor changes, depending on the feeding state of the predator. Through conducting these experiments we aim to progress our understanding of aquatic ecosystems, by revealing underlying mechanisms through which functionally important marine microbial species interact.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C519438/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £239,363
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £112,606 | £7,934 | £49,703 | £51,798 | £17,322 |
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