{"id":{"repo_id":"uoit","oai_identifier":"oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1902"},"canonical_url":"https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/uoit/oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1902","repository":{"repo_id":"uoit","name":"Ontario Institute of Technology","base_url":"https://ontariotechu.scholaris.ca/server/oai/request"},"display":{"title":"In-vitro analysis of microfilariae phenotypic responses induced by small molecules and dsRNA targeting receptor pathways","abstract":"Filarial nematodes such as Brugia malayi and Dirofilaria immitis pose a significant threat to humans and companion animals. Current methods of control include a range of anthelmintics. However, with resistance on the rise, drug target discovery and development are urgently needed. This study explores phenotypic responses in microfilariae to small molecules as well as dsRNA molecules targeting genes involved in receptor pathways essential for nematode function. Utilizing the video analysis software called the Worminator, we quantified changes in movement upon exposure to agonists and antagonists acting on various receptors. Distinct responses were observed based on receptor modulation and small-molecule combinations, revealing potential synergies and antagonisms. Additionally, dsRNA targeting GluCl, nACh, and GABA receptor subunit genes resulted in significant gene silencing and corresponding phenotypic changes in nematode movement. These findings contribute to understanding parasitic nematode neurobiology and highlight receptor pathways as targets for novel anthelmintics.","abstract_html":"Filarial nematodes such as Brugia malayi and Dirofilaria immitis pose a significant threat to humans and companion animals. Current methods of control include a range of anthelmintics. However, with resistance on the rise, drug target discovery and development are urgently needed. This study explores phenotypic responses in microfilariae to small molecules as well as dsRNA molecules targeting genes involved in receptor pathways essential for nematode function. Utilizing the video analysis software called the Worminator, we quantified changes in movement upon exposure to agonists and antagonists acting on various receptors. Distinct responses were observed based on receptor modulation and small-molecule combinations, revealing potential synergies and antagonisms. Additionally, dsRNA targeting GluCl, nACh, and GABA receptor subunit genes resulted in significant gene silencing and corresponding phenotypic changes in nematode movement. These findings contribute to understanding parasitic nematode neurobiology and highlight receptor pathways as targets for novel anthelmintics.","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Petch, Amy"],"institution":"University of Ontario Institute of Technology","degree_name":"Master of Science (MSc)","degree_level":null,"degree_discipline":"Applied Bioscience","degree_department":null,"school":null,"contributors":[],"advisors":["Forrester, Sean"],"committee_chairs":[],"committee_members":[],"year":2024,"date_issued":"2024-12-01","date_published":"2024-12-01","updated_at":"2026-07-24T05:35:30Z","subjects":[],"languages":["en"],"rights":[],"rights_urls":[],"identifier_entries":[]},"links":{"outbound_url":"https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1902","outbound_label":"Handle","outbound_source":"dc:identifier.uri"},"metadata_groups":[{"id":"people","label":"People","entries":[{"key":"dc:contributor.advisor","label":"Advisor","values":["Forrester, Sean"]},{"key":"dc:creator","label":"Author","values":["Petch, Amy"]}]},{"id":"academic_context","label":"Academic Context","entries":[{"key":"dc:date.accessioned","label":"Dc Date Accessioned","values":["2025-03-18T19:13:10Z"]},{"key":"dc:date.available","label":"Dc Date Available","values":["2025-03-18T19:13:10Z"]},{"key":"dc:date.issued","label":"Date","values":["2024-12-01"]},{"key":"dc:type","label":"Dc Type","values":["Thesis"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_discipline","label":"Discipline","values":["Applied Bioscience"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_name","label":"Degree Name","values":["Master of Science (MSc)"]},{"key":"thesis:institution_name","label":"Thesis Institution Name","values":["University of Ontario Institute of Technology"]}]},{"id":"language_rights","label":"Language and Rights","entries":[{"key":"dc:language.iso","label":"Language (ISO)","values":["en"]}]},{"id":"identifiers","label":"Identifiers","entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier.uri","label":"Identifier URI","values":["https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1902"]}]},{"id":"additional","label":"Additional Metadata","entries":[{"key":"dc:description.abstract","label":"Abstract","values":["Filarial nematodes such as Brugia malayi and Dirofilaria immitis pose a significant threat to humans and companion animals. Current methods of control include a range of anthelmintics. However, with resistance on the rise, drug target discovery and development are urgently needed. This study explores phenotypic responses in microfilariae to small molecules as well as dsRNA molecules targeting genes involved in receptor pathways essential for nematode function. Utilizing the video analysis software called the Worminator, we quantified changes in movement upon exposure to agonists and antagonists acting on various receptors. Distinct responses were observed based on receptor modulation and small-molecule combinations, revealing potential synergies and antagonisms. Additionally, dsRNA targeting GluCl, nACh, and GABA receptor subunit genes resulted in significant gene silencing and corresponding phenotypic changes in nematode movement. These findings contribute to understanding parasitic nematode neurobiology and highlight receptor pathways as targets for novel anthelmintics."]},{"key":"dc:title","label":"Title","values":["In-vitro analysis of microfilariae phenotypic responses induced by small molecules and dsRNA targeting receptor pathways"]}]}],"canonical_facts":{"dc:contributor.advisor":["Forrester, Sean"],"dc:creator":["Petch, Amy"],"dc:date.accessioned":["2025-03-18T19:13:10Z"],"dc:date.available":["2025-03-18T19:13:10Z"],"dc:date.issued":["2024-12-01"],"dc:description.abstract":["Filarial nematodes such as Brugia malayi and Dirofilaria immitis pose a significant threat to humans and companion animals. Current methods of control include a range of anthelmintics. However, with resistance on the rise, drug target discovery and development are urgently needed. This study explores phenotypic responses in microfilariae to small molecules as well as dsRNA molecules targeting genes involved in receptor pathways essential for nematode function. Utilizing the video analysis software called the Worminator, we quantified changes in movement upon exposure to agonists and antagonists acting on various receptors. Distinct responses were observed based on receptor modulation and small-molecule combinations, revealing potential synergies and antagonisms. Additionally, dsRNA targeting GluCl, nACh, and GABA receptor subunit genes resulted in significant gene silencing and corresponding phenotypic changes in nematode movement. These findings contribute to understanding parasitic nematode neurobiology and highlight receptor pathways as targets for novel anthelmintics."],"dc:identifier.uri":["https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1902"],"dc:language.iso":["en"],"dc:title":["In-vitro analysis of microfilariae phenotypic responses induced by small molecules and dsRNA targeting receptor pathways"],"dc:type":["Thesis"],"thesis:degree_discipline":["Applied Bioscience"],"thesis:degree_name":["Master of Science (MSc)"],"thesis:institution_name":["University of Ontario Institute of Technology"]},"updated_at":"2026-07-24T05:35:30Z"}