Proteome Changes in Host's Brain Behind the Parasitoid Wasp Manipulation

Background: Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) can fall victim to the parasitoid Jewel Wasp (Ampulex compressa) which uses them as food supply for its larva. The wasp stings the cockroach and injects a venom cocktail directly inside the CNS (central nervous system). The venom does not paralyze the cockroach. Instead, the venom alters its behavior. The cockroach is turned, metaphorically, into a submissive 'zombie': it enters a long-lasting hypokinetic state. The intoxicated cockroach follows the wasp submissively to its nest, demonstrating a completely normal walking pattern. The wasp then lays an egg on the lethargic cockroach. The larva that will hatch from the egg will have accessible fresh food needed for developing into an adult wasp. The goal of our current research is to uncover the molecular mechanism which underlies this unique parasite manipulation strategy.