Unraveling how Trypanosoma cruzi traffics proteins in Chagas disease
Official title: Unravelling of protein trafficking in Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease.
Funded at Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn · NIH-11391119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the parasite behind Chagas disease moves proteins inside its cells to understand how it causes illness and how to stop it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Martin, Argentina) |
| Project start | August 11, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $133,960 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI191327-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients and populations in Chagas-endemic regions (e.g., Argentina) with access to parasite strains and research collaboration opportunities, for future translational work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not involved in the research or not affected by Chagas disease may have no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the biology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, to uncover how proteins are transported within the parasite. By examining the ARFGAP and AGFG1-related pathways, scientists aim to map the molecular steps that enable infection. The study uses parasite samples from Argentina and related models to explore glycobiology and trafficking mechanisms that could reveal new targets for therapy. Results could inform safer, more effective treatments for people at risk in the Americas and beyond.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new approaches for treating or preventing Chagas disease by disrupting essential parasite protein trafficking.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in parasite biology has shown that protein trafficking pathways can be critical for infection, suggesting potential for impactful outcomes if these mechanisms are targeted.
Where this research is happening
-
Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn
San Martin, Argentina Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mucci, Juan — Institute/research/biotechnology Fdn
- Study coordinator: Mucci, Juan
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.