Understanding how fish and parasitic worms evolve together
Mining natural infection variation to find the genetic basis of coevolution between vertebrate hosts and helminth parasites
This study is looking at how threespine stickleback fish fight off parasites and what genes help them do that, so we can learn more about how fish and their parasites evolve together and how different immune responses can affect infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086853 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic interactions between vertebrate hosts, specifically threespine sticklebacks, and their helminth parasites. By examining how these fish evolve to resist infections, the study aims to uncover the genetic basis of immunity and the evolutionary history of these interactions. The research employs lab-based techniques to expose fish to controlled doses of parasites and analyze their immune responses, providing insights into the coevolution of hosts and parasites. This work could lead to a better understanding of how natural variations in immunity affect infection outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with a strong interest in genetic factors influencing immune responses to parasitic infections.
Not a fit: Patients with no interest in genetic research or those not affected by parasitic infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune responses, potentially leading to improved treatments for parasitic infections in humans and animals.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding host-parasite interactions through genetic studies, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weber, Jesse Nathaniel — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Weber, Jesse Nathaniel
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.