Why some freshwater snails resist schistosomiasis parasites
Official title: Genetics and genomics of schistosome resistance in snails
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11093382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at genetic reasons why freshwater snails do or don't support schistosomiasis parasites, to help stop the disease from spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,077,146 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AI170587-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living in or at risk for schistosomiasis in endemic regions who are interested in community-level control efforts or participating in related field studies are the most relevant group.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals needing immediate medical treatment for schistosomiasis symptoms are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic snail genetics research.
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are decoding snail DNA to find the genes that let or stop schistosome parasites from developing inside snails. They will sequence whole genomes and map genetic differences in two snail–parasite systems that drive most human schistosomiasis worldwide. The team will use newly developed genetic tools and gene-mapping in lab and field-bred snail lines to pinpoint resistance mechanisms. The ultimate aim is to find ways to interrupt transmission by targeting snail biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new snail-targeted interventions that reduce or block schistosomiasis transmission and lower infection risk for people in endemic areas.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior studies have identified snail resistance factors, but combining high-resolution whole-genome mapping with new germline genetic tools in these two snail–parasite systems is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Si-Ming — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Si-Ming
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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.