How certain protists sense and respond to oxygen levels in human disease
Protist Oxygen Sensing in Human Disease Protist Oxygen Sensing in Human Disease
This study is looking at how tiny organisms called protists, like Dictyostelium and Toxoplasma, detect changes in oxygen levels and how this affects their behavior and ability to cause disease, which could help us understand more about the illnesses they can cause in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11264979 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain protists, like Dictyostelium and Toxoplasma, sense changes in oxygen levels and how this affects their behavior and virulence. The study focuses on specific proteins called prolyl 4-hydroxylases (PHDs) that play a role in this oxygen-sensing mechanism. By understanding these processes, researchers aim to uncover how these protists adapt to different oxygen environments, which could have implications for human diseases caused by these organisms. The research employs genetic and biochemical techniques to analyze the function of these proteins in both laboratory settings and in vivo models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by diseases caused by protozoan parasites, such as Toxoplasmosis.
Not a fit: Patients with diseases not related to protozoan infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how to combat diseases caused by protozoan parasites, potentially improving treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of studying oxygen sensing in protists is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding pathogen behavior and virulence.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blader, Ira J — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Blader, Ira J
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 below.