How Trichomonas vaginalis changes its DNA and gene activity
DNA methylation, 3D genome organization and gene expression during Trichomonas vaginalis: host interaction
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 ID | NIH-11307010 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: People without Trichomonas infection or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
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 performed: 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
San Martin, Argentina
- Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn — San Martin, Argentina (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Miguel, Natalia — Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn
- Study coordinator: De Miguel, Natalia
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.