Understanding Cell Division in the Parasite Causing African Sleeping Sickness
Mechanisms Of The Unusual Cytokinesis In Trypanosomes
This work explores how the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness divides its cells, hoping to find new ways to stop its growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088714 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
African sleeping sickness is caused by a tiny parasite called Trypanosoma brucei, which divides its cells in a unique way compared to human cells. By understanding these differences, we can look for new weaknesses in the parasite that might be targeted by medicines. This project aims to uncover the specific steps and proteins involved in the parasite's cell division process. We want to learn how these different parts work together and how the division process starts and continues. The goal is to identify key mechanisms that could be disrupted to stop the parasite from multiplying.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future clinical applications would target individuals diagnosed with African sleeping sickness.
Not a fit: Patients without African sleeping sickness would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new drugs that specifically target the parasite's unique cell division, offering new treatments for African sleeping sickness.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of Trypanosoma brucei cytokinesis are still being uncovered, the general approach of targeting unique parasite biology for drug development has shown success in other parasitic diseases.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Ziyin — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Li, Ziyin
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.