Developing tools to study the deadly amoeba Naegleria fowleri
Official title: Approaches for genetic manipulation of Naegleria fowleri
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-10762481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to understand the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which causes a serious brain infection, so that we can find better treatments for people affected by it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | January 9, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $228,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175463-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10762481 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of Naegleria fowleri infections, particularly those exposed to warm freshwater environments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with PAM and are in advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating molecular tools to better understand Naegleria fowleri, the amoeba responsible for a severe brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The researchers aim to utilize advanced techniques like RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to explore gene functions in this organism. By gaining insights into how this amoeba operates at a genetic level, the research seeks to pave the way for the development of effective treatments for infections caused by this pathogen. This work is crucial as current treatment options are limited and often ineffective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents for treating infections caused by Naegleria fowleri.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Naegleria fowleri is limited, similar genetic manipulation approaches have shown promise in other pathogenic organisms, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morris, James Culvin — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Morris, James Culvin
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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.