Understanding how a parasitic worm senses gases
Official title: Neural mechanisms of gas sensing in a human-infective worm
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10954708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the threadworm, a tiny parasite that can infect people, senses changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide around it, which helps it move and find hosts to infect.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $607,527 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021489-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, particularly children and adults, who are at risk of or currently infected with Strongyloides stercoralis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with parasitic worms or those who do not reside in areas where these infections are prevalent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human-parasitic threadworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, detects changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in its environment. By analyzing the worm's behavior and neural responses to these gases, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow the worm to navigate and infect hosts. The study will utilize advanced techniques to observe the worm's movements and responses to varying gas concentrations, providing insights into its life cycle and infection process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for infections caused by parasitic worms, potentially reducing morbidity in affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of gas sensing in Strongyloides stercoralis are not well-studied, similar research on other parasitic organisms has shown promising results in understanding their behavior and infection strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hallem, Elissa Anyon — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hallem, Elissa Anyon
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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.