Understanding how a parasite forms infectious cysts
Official title: Identification and characterization of early encystation genes in the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-10880541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the parasite that causes amoebic dysentery makes infectious cysts to survive and spread, which could help us find new ways to treat the infection and improve care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,838 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175730-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica or are at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any history of Entamoeba histolytica infection or related gastrointestinal diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica forms infectious cysts, which are crucial for its survival and spread. By establishing a laboratory system to study the encystation process, researchers aim to identify the genes involved in this transformation. The study focuses on how the parasite adapts to different environments, particularly within the human large intestine, to enhance its ability to cause disease. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the parasite's lifecycle and potential targets for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica, such as amoebic dysentery.
How similar studies have gone: While research on related parasites has shown some success, the specific mechanisms of encystation in Entamoeba histolytica are less understood, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ingram-Smith, Cheryl Jean — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Ingram-Smith, Cheryl Jean
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Tissue Structure and Nerve Changes in the Sacroiliac Joint
Researchers are studying how the sacroiliac joint contributes to low back pain by looking at its tissue structure and nerve-related changes.
-
Regulation of Cryptosporidium Development in Kids and Communities
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.
-
ATTRACT: How jaw shape and movement affect jaw joint health in adults with jaw misalignment
This project studies how the shape and movement of the jawbone in adults with Class II or III jaw misalignment relate to the health and mechanics of the jaw joint.
-
Noninvasive nanoparticle therapy for the peripheral nervous system
Aimed at improving delivery of non-invasive treatments to injured nerves, this grant funds equipment to study how nanoparticles can cross the blood-nerve barrier and support nerve repair.
-
Health Extension for Diabetes: Connecting Community and Clinic
A community-clinical program aims to improve diabetes care by linking local health resources with clinical services over a two-year period.
-
Ice-free Preservation and Nanowarming for Viable Meniscal Transplants
Aimed at helping people with serious knee meniscus damage by improving how donor meniscal tissue is preserved so it stays alive longer.
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.