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Parasite development and adaptive specialization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

A. E. Bianco  and
R. M. Maizels
A. E. Bianco
Affiliation:
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Imperial College of Science and Technology, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BB
R. M. Maizels
Affiliation:
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Imperial College of Science and Technology, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BB
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Summary

The complex life-cycles of parasitic animals are a product of exploiting the process of development to generate organisms with different biological potentials within a species. Successive stages of the parasite adapt to functions such as host invasion and transmission, and to the colonization of a variety of niches, often involving different hosts, tissues or cells. Understanding the molecular basis of adaptive biology among parasities is a major challenge that lies at the heart of research in contemporary parasitology. Differences in scale at the levels of genomic complexity and cell biology exist between most parasitic protozoa and helminths, rendering a cautionary note to making generalized observations. The two principal approaches used to gain insights into adaptive specializations are to start with a biological activity and identify the molecule, or select molecules with particular properties and deduce function. Both have their part to play, with their inherent advantages and limitations, and both are illustrated with examples of studies on adaptive biology among parasitic nematodes.

Keywords

developmentadaptationnematodes

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References

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