Understanding how the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni develops sexually
Characterizing sexual development of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni
This study is looking at how the Schistosoma mansoni parasite, which causes schistosomiasis, develops and needs to be around male worms to grow and lay eggs, and by understanding this better, researchers hope to find new ways to help control the disease and protect people affected by it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10886682 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the sexual development of the Schistosoma mansoni parasite, which causes schistosomiasis, a disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The study focuses on how female schistosomes require constant contact with male worms to mature and produce eggs, a process that has been poorly understood at the molecular level. By developing a new culture medium that supports this sexual development in vitro, researchers aim to uncover the gene expression changes that occur when male and female worms interact. This could lead to new strategies for controlling the spread of schistosomiasis and reducing its impact on affected populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in regions where schistosomiasis is endemic, particularly those who may be at risk of infection.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in endemic areas or who are not infected with schistosomiasis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative methods for controlling schistosomiasis, potentially reducing the disease's prevalence and improving health outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding the biology of parasites can lead to successful interventions in controlling diseases.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collins, James J — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Collins, James J
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.