Understanding how Giardia parasites transition through their life cycle
Official title: High-throughput, untargeted approaches to identify and define the functions of transcription factors regulating key life cycle transitions in Giardia
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10878886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Giardia parasite, which can cause diarrhea, changes its form to survive and spread, and it aims to find out what controls these changes so we can develop better ways to treat infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,545 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178544-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Giardia infections or are at risk of infection due to exposure to contaminated water or food.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Giardia infections or are not at risk of exposure to this parasite may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the life cycle of Giardia lamblia, a parasite that causes diarrheal disease in humans and animals. It focuses on identifying the transcription factors that regulate key transitions in the parasite's life cycle, particularly how it transforms from cysts to trophozoites and back. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that control these transitions, which are crucial for the parasite's survival and transmission. This knowledge could lead to better strategies for managing Giardia infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and prevention strategies for Giardia infections, ultimately reducing the burden of diarrheal disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of identifying transcription factors in Giardia is relatively novel, similar methodologies have shown success in understanding other parasitic organisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dawson, Scott C — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Dawson, Scott C
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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.