Investigating how self-cleaving peptides function in different organisms
Official title: Self-cleaving peptides: Mechanisms and Use in Diverse Eukaryotic Species
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10915707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a tiny germ called Giardia, which can make people sick, works differently than other germs, and by understanding this, researchers hope to find better ways to treat infections caused by Giardia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $230,342 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI167423-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with Giardia lamblia or those at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other pathogens unrelated to Giardia lamblia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Giardia lamblia, a single-celled organism that causes infections in millions of people. The study aims to understand how self-cleaving peptides, which are crucial for viral replication, behave differently in Giardia compared to other eukaryotes. By examining the structure of Giardia's ribosomes, the researchers hope to uncover fundamental differences that could lead to new insights into biological processes and potential treatments. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to better understanding and treatment of infections caused by Giardia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into treating infections caused by Giardia lamblia and similar pathogens.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying 2A peptides in Giardia is novel, similar research has shown that understanding ribosomal mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treating viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rissland, Olivia Selfridge — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Rissland, Olivia Selfridge
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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.