Understanding how certain parasites invade host cells
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms and Evolution of the Rhoptry Secretion System
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11011383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny parasites, like those that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis, use special tools to invade our cells, and it aims to understand how these tools work and have changed over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $556,510 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156396-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by diseases caused by apicomplexan parasites, such as malaria or toxoplasmosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-parasitic infections or conditions unrelated to apicomplexan parasites may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the rhoptry secretion system in unicellular eukaryotes, particularly focusing on apicomplexan parasites like Toxoplasma and Plasmodium. By using advanced imaging techniques such as cryo-electron tomography, the research aims to uncover the structural and functional mechanisms behind how these parasites invade host cells. The study will compare different species to identify conserved features and evolutionary adaptations in their secretion systems. Through a combination of genetics and structural biology, the research will also explore how these secretion machineries are assembled and how they function during the invasion process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by these parasites.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using cryo-electron tomography to study similar biological processes, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Yi-Wei — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chang, Yi-Wei
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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.