Understanding how a parasite causes sleeping sickness through cell signaling
Official title: Flagellar cAMP signaling in Trypanosoma brucei
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10993198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the sleeping sickness parasite, Trypanosoma brucei, senses its surroundings and moves around, which could help us find new ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $186,070 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178355-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in sub-Saharan Africa who are at risk of or affected by African sleeping sickness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in sub-Saharan Africa or those who are not affected by African sleeping sickness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the signaling pathways in the Trypanosoma brucei parasite, which is responsible for sleeping sickness. By studying how this parasite senses and responds to its environment, the research aims to uncover critical mechanisms that allow it to survive and spread. The approach involves genetic manipulation of the parasite to explore its flagellum, a structure essential for its movement and communication. This could lead to new insights into potential treatments for the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for African sleeping sickness.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding similar signaling pathways in related parasites, indicating potential for breakthroughs in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hill, Kent L — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hill, Kent L
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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.