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Uncovering molecular and cellular targets of BATT, a recently discovered schistosome pheromone

Award Number: F32AI197456
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/08/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/07/2029

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Uncovering molecular and cellular targets of BATT, a recently discovered schistosome pheromone - PROJECT SUMMARY Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by sexually dimorphic parasitic flatworms (schistosomes), is sustained in endemic regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia by the egg-laying of mature females. Female sexual maturation and subsequent egg production depend on continuous pairing with male worms, highlighting the central role of schistosome reproductive biology in both disease pathology and life cycle maintenance; eggs can cause disease in human tissue or contaminate freshwater. Male schistosomes synthesize β-alanyl tryptamine (BATT), a recently discovered pheromone that induces female sex organ maturation and egg production. Contact with male worms or exogenous BATT treatment induces maturation, yet the precise signaling pathways activated by this pheromone remain largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the BATT pheromone triggers female sexual maturation. I hypothesize that BATT activates specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and downstream signaling cascades, leading to changes in gene expression and cellular processes essential for oogenesis and vitellogenesis. BATT is an entirely new signaling molecule in flatworm biology and the mechanisms of signal reception by the female and subsequent downstream signaling that is triggered by BATT are unknown. To address this, I will employ a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional assays using Schistosoma mansoni as a model. The goal of this work is to uncover molecular (AIM 1) and cellular (AIM 2) targets of BATT. In AIM 1, I will use complementary genetic and chemical biological approaches to uncover molecular targets of BATT, including systematic screening of schistosome GPCRs and the development of activity-based probes. In AIM 2, I will use transcriptomic approaches to define BATT-responsive cell types, which will then be screened for relevant receptors to support AIM 1. This important work explores a major unknown in flatworm reproductive biology and aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual maturation in schistosomes.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $76,300 )
2026	2026	THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER	5323 HARRY HINES BLVD	DALLAS	TX	75390	DALLAS	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	001	1	4/7/2026	NEW	$0
2026	2026	THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER	5323 HARRY HINES BLVD	DALLAS	TX	75390	DALLAS	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	4/7/2026	NEW	$76,300
														Subtotal = $76,300

Grand Total All Awards = $76,300

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Uncovering molecular and cellular targets of BATT, a recently discovered schistosome pheromone

Award Number: F32AI197456

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/08/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/07/2029

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