Understanding how a parasite's genetic material works
Guide RNA Binding Complex
This project aims to understand how the parasite that causes sleeping sickness in Sub-Saharan Africa processes its genetic information, which could help us find new ways to fight these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11133319 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Parasitic infections caused by Trypanosoma brucei have significantly impacted public health and economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. While new treatments have emerged, their long-term effectiveness is still being determined. This research focuses on a unique process called RNA editing within the parasite, which is essential for its survival. By visualizing the structures involved in this process, we hope to uncover how the parasite manages its genetic instructions. This deeper understanding could reveal new weaknesses in the parasite that future medicines could target.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals affected by Trypanosoma brucei infections in Sub-Saharan Africa in the future.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by Trypanosoma brucei infections 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 or therapies to combat parasitic infections like sleeping sickness, offering hope to affected communities.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific structural visualization approach is advanced, the broader field of understanding parasite biology and RNA editing has seen incremental successes, laying groundwork for this novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Afasizhev, Ruslan — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Afasizhev, Ruslan
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.