Creating a new tool to study Leishmania braziliensis genetics.
Official title: Generation and Validation of a Novel Genome-Scale Inducible RNAi Library for Functional Genetics in Leishmania braziliensis.
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10876487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special tool to help scientists learn more about the Leishmania braziliensis parasite, which causes serious tropical diseases, so they can find new ways to treat infections caused by it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178571-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from American cutaneous leishmaniasis or those at risk of infection by Leishmania braziliensis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with leishmaniasis caused by other Leishmania species that do not share genetic similarities with L. braziliensis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel genome-scale inducible RNA interference (RNAi) library specifically for Leishmania braziliensis, a parasite responsible for serious tropical diseases. By utilizing a unique system that activates RNAi in response to a specific inducer, the researchers aim to conduct high-throughput genetic screens to better understand the biology of this parasite. This approach could lead to significant advancements in identifying potential targets for new treatments. The study leverages the similarities between L. braziliensis and other Leishmania species to ensure that findings may be broadly applicable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating Leishmania infections, potentially improving outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully utilized RNAi approaches in related kinetoplastid species, indicating a promising potential for this novel method in L. braziliensis.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yates, Phillip a — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Yates, Phillip a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.