How Toxoplasma switches into its hidden (latent) form through metabolism and protein tagging
Regulation of latent stage differentiation through central carbon metabolism and ubiquitination
['FUNDING_R01'] · WALTER AND ELIZA HALL INST MEDICAL RES · NIH-11250995
Researchers are looking at how the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis changes its metabolism and uses ubiquitination to hide as a latent infection, which could help people at risk of vision loss or reactivation.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WALTER AND ELIZA HALL INST MEDICAL RES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Parkville, AUSTRALIA) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11250995 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team studies Toxoplasma parasites in the lab to find which carbon metabolism pathways let the parasite switch into latent forms. They mimic the nutrient environments of muscle and the brain and use whole-genome CRISPR screens to find parasite enzymes needed for differentiation. They also examine how ubiquitination (a protein-tagging process) controls metabolic changes that let the parasite persist. Results will be used to map the pathways that keep parasites latent and to reveal possible drug targets to clear latent infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with past or chronic Toxoplasma infection, those with ocular toxoplasmosis, and immunocompromised patients at risk for reactivation would be most directly relevant to future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without Toxoplasma infection or those needing immediate treatment for an acute infection are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal drug targets to treat or clear latent Toxoplasma and reduce vision loss and dangerous reactivations in vulnerable people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown metabolic differences in Toxoplasma, but applying whole-genome CRISPR screens to latent-stage metabolism and the role of ubiquitination is relatively new and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Parkville, AUSTRALIA
- WALTER AND ELIZA HALL INST MEDICAL RES — Parkville, AUSTRALIA (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TONKIN, CHRIS — WALTER AND ELIZA HALL INST MEDICAL RES
- Study coordinator: TONKIN, CHRIS
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.