Investigating how Toxoplasma gondii uses m6A mRNA reader proteins to survive in HIV/AIDS patients
Official title: m6A mRNA reader proteins in the AIDS-opportunistic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10758965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii affects people with HIV/AIDS and aims to find new ways to help treat those who are at risk of serious infections by understanding how the parasite survives and avoids treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 3, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $234,524 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174860-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10758965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are at risk of or currently experiencing Toxoplasma gondii infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV/AIDS or are not at risk for Toxoplasma gondii infections are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that poses a significant risk to individuals with HIV/AIDS by causing severe opportunistic infections. The study aims to understand how the parasite's m6A mRNA reader proteins influence its survival and ability to evade treatment. By exploring the mechanisms of mRNA regulation in the parasite, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to the development of more effective treatments for affected patients. The approach involves detailed analysis of the parasite's gene expression and the role of specific proteins in its lifecycle.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new and effective therapies for treating Toxoplasma gondii infections in HIV/AIDS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting m6A modifications in various organisms, suggesting that this approach could be effective in developing new treatments for Toxoplasma gondii.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, William J — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, William J
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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.