Understanding how parasites that cause diseases like babesiosis and malaria divide
Comparative systems biology of apicomplexan cell division
This work aims to understand how parasites, such as those causing babesiosis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis, grow and multiply inside the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110500 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many parasites, including those responsible for malaria, babesiosis, and toxoplasmosis, share a unique way of dividing and multiplying within human cells. These parasites, called apicomplexans, have different methods for cell division, but they all result in new parasites ready to infect more cells. This project will compare how these different parasites divide, looking at the steps involved in their growth and reproduction. By understanding these processes, we hope to find new ways to stop these infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit anyone affected by or at risk of apicomplexan parasitic infections.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to apicomplexan parasitic infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for developing treatments or vaccines against parasitic infections like babesiosis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the overall field of parasitology has seen successes, this specific comparative systems biology approach to understanding the diversity of cell division modes in apicomplexans is novel and addresses areas where little is currently known.
Where this research is happening
Chestnut Hill, United States
- Boston College — Chestnut Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gubbels, Marc-Jan — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Gubbels, Marc-Jan
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.