Regulation of Cryptosporidium Development in Kids and Communities
Official title: Regulation of Cryptosporidium Development
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11580464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes severe diarrhea from dirty water, develops, with the goal of finding new treatments for people who get sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $219,850 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM146584-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11580464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Cryptosporidium infection or at risk of exposure who could benefit from future therapeutics targeting the parasite’s development.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those not affected by Cryptosporidium would not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project from Clemson University aims to understand the molecular signals that control how Cryptosporidium grows and reproduces in the human gut. By looking at transcription factors and gene targets, the research hopes to reveal new points at which therapies could interrupt the parasite’s life cycle. The work involves advanced laboratory techniques to map gene activity and protein interactions in a controlled setting that mirrors human infection. Results could guide future drug development to help people who cannot be helped by current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new therapies to treat Cryptosporidium infections, especially for immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has identified a master regulator of sex determination in Cryptosporidium, suggesting that targeting developmental pathways can be effective, but human-applicable therapies remain to be developed.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walzer, Katelyn Ann — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Walzer, Katelyn Ann
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.