Understanding how RNA editing works in the life cycle of a parasite that causes sleeping sickness
Official title: Regulation of RNA editing in two life cycle stages of Trypanosoma brucei
Funded at Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-11133646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness changes its genetic material to survive in different hosts, like humans and insects, and the findings could help develop new treatments for the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 17, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $453,429 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184920-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by African sleeping sickness or those at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other unrelated conditions or those not affected by trypanosomiasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique process of RNA editing in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which causes African sleeping sickness. The study focuses on how this parasite alters its RNA during different life stages to adapt to its hosts, which include humans and insects. By examining the role of specific proteins and mechanisms involved in RNA editing, the research aims to uncover the complexities of gene expression regulation in this organism. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by this parasite.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating African sleeping sickness and related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding RNA editing mechanisms in other organisms, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m Agrilife Research
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cruz-Reyes, Jorge — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Cruz-Reyes, Jorge
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.