Research Charlotte Van Moorleghem

Abstract

A global increase in lethal fungal infections of both animals and plants threatens biodiversity. Therefore, research on how organisms defend themselves against newly emerging diseases is extremely relevant and the timing critical. In recent years, North American snake populations have experienced elevated numbers of cases of Snake Fungal Disease (SFD). This disease, evoked by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), is spreading from the east to the west of the United States of America. As an animal's skin is the first barrier against infectious disease, skin chemicals may suppress the growth of harmful microbiota. However, the antimicrobial properties of the skin chemicals of snakes, and reptiles in general, has never been assessed. The current project aims to 1) investigate whether snake-skin derived molecules have repellent properties against fungi and bacteria, 2) what the chemical nature of these disease-suppressing agents is, and 3) whether these form effective natural defenses against SFD. The relevance of this project's results reaches beyond U.S. borders as the international trade in reptiles as pets and zoo animals may significantly facilitate the spread of SFD.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Aerts Peter
• Fellow: Van Moorleghem Charlotte

Research team(s)

• Functional Morphology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Animals communicate with members of their own and other species through an astonishing array of signals and displays. Just like any other biological characteristic, the organs and structures that send out and pick up signals and the signals themselves are believed to evolve. Natural selection is thought to tune communication channels according to the physical and biotic particularities of the local environment. In this project, we aim to investigate the role of the physical environment in the evolution of a chemical communication system. Lizards of the family Lacertidae deposit pheromones that contain information on the sender's species identity, its sex and its quality as a rival or sexual partner. These chemical cues are packed in a waxy substance produced by special glands on the inner thighs of the animals (the femoral glands). The lizards actively or passively deposit the femoral secretion on objects in their home range. Conspecifics pick up the cues by means of their forked tongue, which delivers the chemical particles to a specialised chemosensory organ (Jacobson's organ) in the roof of the mouth. Lacertid lizards inhabit a wide variety of habitats, from tundra over rain forests to sandy deserts. We will investigate whether and how this range of physical conditions has affected the organs producing the signals (femoral glands), the receptive system (tongue, Jacobson's organ, brain) and the chemical signal itself (physical characteristics, chemical composition).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Damme Raoul
• Co-promoter: Huyghe Katleen
• Fellow: Van Moorleghem Charlotte

Research team(s)

• Functional Morphology

Project type(s)

• Research Project