Understanding how a brain-eating amoeba moves
Defining cytoskeletal mechanisms driving cell motility in Naegleria
This study is looking at how the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, moves and invades brain tissue, which could help us understand its behavior better and find ways to fight it, especially since it causes a serious type of meningitis with no good treatments right now.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Dartmouth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Dartmouth, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11010387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, to move and invade brain tissue. By studying the role of actin filaments in cell motility, the research aims to uncover whether the principles of movement observed in animal cells also apply to this pathogen. The approach involves examining how the amoeba uses its cytoskeleton to crawl, which could reveal new insights into its behavior and potential vulnerabilities. This work is crucial as Naegleria fowleri causes a severe form of meningitis with no effective treatments available.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of Naegleria fowleri infections, particularly those exposed to warm freshwater environments.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk of Naegleria fowleri infections or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by Naegleria fowleri.
How similar studies have performed: While research on actin dynamics in cell motility is well-established, the specific application to Naegleria fowleri is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
North Dartmouth, United States
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth — North Dartmouth, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Velle, Katrina — University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
- Study coordinator: Velle, Katrina
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.