How Giardia sticks to the intestine
Biophysical and genetic approaches to uncover ventral disc contractile attachment mechanisms in Giardia
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11291818
Researchers will use gene editing and live imaging to learn how Giardia parasites cling to the small intestine, aiming to help people affected by giardiasis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291818 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will use CRISPR gene editing and fluorescent live imaging to watch the parasite's ventral disc as it attaches to surfaces. Scientists will create Giardia strains with labeled proteins and perform multi-gene knockouts to see which disc components generate attachment forces. They will test attachment on rigid and deformable surfaces and measure the mechanical forces involved. The findings could explain how attachment damages intestinal cells and point to new ways to prevent or treat infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or are at risk for giardiasis, including those with recurrent or chronic Giardia-related diarrhea, would find this research relevant.
Not a fit: People whose diarrhea is caused by non‑infectious conditions or other pathogens likely will not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to stop Giardia from clinging to and damaging the intestine, opening paths to new treatments or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Recent live imaging has already shown disc contraction during attachment and new CRISPR tools for Giardia make these multi-gene experiments feasible.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DAWSON, SCOTT C — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: DAWSON, SCOTT C
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.