RNA functions in parasite-host communication in the gut

United Kingdom, Feb. 7 -- Project Id: 124420

Description: Project description

How parasitic worms use RNA to regulate gut health

In many animals, gastrointestinal parasitic worms, known as helminths, release bioactive molecules that facilitate immunological tolerance and gut functions. Recently, scientists discovered that RNA is one of the products helminths release to directly influence host cells. The EU-funded RNACOM project will determine how helminths use this novel form of RNA communication to regulate the gut epithelium and develop strategies to block the communication mechanism during infection. RNACOM will also bring key quantitative and molecular understanding to the processes by which RNA from one species can influence another...