How Trichomonas vaginalis changes its DNA and gene activity
Official title: DNA methylation, 3D genome organization and gene expression during Trichomonas vaginalis: host interaction
Funded at Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn · NIH-11307010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how the common vaginal parasite Trichomonas vaginalis changes its DNA tags, 3D genome folding, and gene activity during infection to better understand infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Martin, Argentina) |
| Project start | March 7, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $133,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI160387-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11307010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a current or recent Trichomonas vaginalis infection or those willing to donate clinical samples would be most relevant to this line of research.
✕Less likely to help
People without Trichomonas infection or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
What this research studies
This project examines chemical tags on the parasite's DNA (notably N6-methyladenine), the three-dimensional folding of its genome, and resulting changes in which genes turn on or off. Scientists use genome-wide sequencing methods such as methylation mapping, ATAC-seq for chromatin accessibility, and 3C-based assays to map 3D genome contacts in parasite cells and infected human cell models. The work combines bioinformatics and lab experiments on parasite cultures and host–parasite interaction systems to find regulatory regions that control infection-related genes. Results aim to explain why infections range from symptomless to highly inflammatory and how chronic infection links to infertility, pregnancy complications, or higher HIV and cancer risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new targets or strategies to prevent or treat trichomoniasis and reduce its long-term risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have identified 6mA DNA methylation in this parasite, but combining epigenetic profiling with 3D genome mapping in T. vaginalis is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn
San Martin, Argentina Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Miguel, Natalia — Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn
- Study coordinator: De Miguel, Natalia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Antibody dynamics to improve Chagas disease diagnostics and prognosis
A researcher in Argentina is studying how antibody responses to defined parts of the parasite change over time to identify better diagnostic and prognosis markers for Chagas disease.
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Unraveling how Trypanosoma cruzi traffics proteins in Chagas disease
Researchers are studying how the parasite behind Chagas disease moves proteins inside its cells to understand how it causes illness and how to stop it.
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How a common parasite affects gene expression and DNA changes in the body
This study is looking at how the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite affects our body's genes and immune system when it infects us, with the hope of finding better ways to treat infections caused by this parasite.
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.