The chemistry of the worm surface reveals secrets for its development and survival

A new study has revealed the clearest image of the chemistry of the surface of worms species that provide information on how animals interact with their environment and with each other. These discoveries could pave the way for strategies to deepen our understanding of evolutionary adaptations, refine behavioral research and, ultimately, overcome parasitic infections.

The scientists of the University Pharmacy School used an advanced mass spectrometry image system to examine behavior.

Their results show that nematode surfaces are predominantly fat or lipid base, forming a complex chemical landscape. The findings have been published in itJournal of the American Chemical Society.

Nematodes, or worms are found in almost all environments of the earth, including internal animals, soil, plants, seeds, water and even humans. Infections caused by nematodes can lead to serious health conditions in severe cases.

This research was directed by Dr. Veeren Chauhan, an assistant professor in analysis of an entire organism at the Pharmacy School. He explained: “Nematodes are an excellent model for human biology and are considered some of the most understood animals on the planet, especially in terms of genetics, neurology and development biology.

“We share about 60-70% of our DNA with these worms, so any new discovery about them can significantly improve our understanding of human biology and can contribute to solve global human health challenges.

“Using leading mass spectrometry facilities in the world, we study the chemical properties of the nematodes throughout their development. This allowed us to trace molecular changes in detail and observe how surface chemistry differs during the Development, varies between species and, more importantly, influences their interactions with each other. “

The team used the latest generation 3D-Gorbisims instrument at Nottingham University to reveal that the chemistry of the surface of both worm species changes over time and are composed of predominantly lipid, which represent approximately 70-80% of the composition molecular.

The University of Nottingham was one of the world’s first institutions to obtain a 3D-Foissims instrument. This instrument allows an unprecedented level of mass spectral molecular analysis in a range of materials, including hard and soft matter, as well as cells and biological tissues.

When surface sensitivity, high mass resolution and spatial resolution combine with a depth profile spray beam, the instrument becomes an extremely powerful tool for chemical analysis as demonstrated in this recent work.

Dr. Chauhan continues: “Discovering that these worms have predominantly fatty surfaces or lipid base is a significant step to understand their biology. These lipid surfaces help maintain hydration and provide a barrier against bacteria, which are essential for their survival .

“What is also very interesting is that these lipids also appear Dam, Caenorhabditis Elegans and alterations in these lipids can increase the susceptibility of the dam to predation. “

Obtaining this level of understanding of the chemicals of the surface of these worms and how they influence interaction and survival opens new areas of scientific discovery and, ultimately, could help develop strategies to combat parasitic worms and diseases they cause “

This research was carried out in collaboration with Lightfoot Lab, directed by Dr. James Lightfoot, at the Max Planck Institute for Behavior Neurobiology: Caesar in Bonn, Germany.