How the Toxoplasma parasite builds its inner membrane to invade cells
Functional Analysis of Novel Components of the Toxoplasma Inner Membrane Complex
Researchers are exploring how the Toxoplasma parasite builds and uses an inner membrane structure that helps it invade cells and reproduce, which could help people affected by toxoplasmosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247159 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at proteins that make up the inner membrane complex (IMC) of Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can infect people. Using lab tools such as in vivo biotinylation (BioID), genetic deletion/ablation, and microscopy, the team will find new IMC proteins and test how they work in building the apical cap and the conoid needed for invasion and replication. They will study interactions between known proteins like AC9/AC10/ERK7 and partners such as IMC32 and IMC48 in parasite cells and experimental models. The goal is to map how these components assemble and function so future therapies could target parasite invasion.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by or at high risk for toxoplasmosis—such as pregnant people, newborns, and immunocompromised patients—would be the ultimate beneficiaries and likely candidates for any future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to parasitic infection, or those with long-standing latent Toxoplasma infection without active disease, may not see direct short-term benefit from this basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for drugs or vaccines to prevent or treat toxoplasmosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous basic research has identified IMC proteins and shown some are essential for invasion, but translating those findings into patient treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradley, Peter John — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Bradley, Peter John
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.