Using RNA at the cellular level to deduce the effects of a novel anti-parasitic compound
Advisor Information
Paul H. Davis
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is a waterborne infectious parasite that causes an infection known as schistosomiasis and infects over 230 million individuals annually. The disease is prevalent in countries with high rates of poverty. As there is only one drug available, the emergence of a resistant strain could be deleterious, and it is known that the current drug does not affect the juvenile stage, significantly hampering eradication any efforts. Our lab is working on a novel antischistosomal compound that shows promising efficacy in a mouse model, but shows no effect outside of the mouse. We are investigating the mechanism of action of this compound using a novel experimental technique known as single-cell RNA-seq. This technique allows for researchers to examine gene expression at the level of individual cells. Our goal is to elucidate the mechanism by which this drug interacts with the host immune system for hopes that this drug may be useful in the treatment of schistosomiasis and other parasitic infections.
Using RNA at the cellular level to deduce the effects of a novel anti-parasitic compound
Schistosoma mansoni is a waterborne infectious parasite that causes an infection known as schistosomiasis and infects over 230 million individuals annually. The disease is prevalent in countries with high rates of poverty. As there is only one drug available, the emergence of a resistant strain could be deleterious, and it is known that the current drug does not affect the juvenile stage, significantly hampering eradication any efforts. Our lab is working on a novel antischistosomal compound that shows promising efficacy in a mouse model, but shows no effect outside of the mouse. We are investigating the mechanism of action of this compound using a novel experimental technique known as single-cell RNA-seq. This technique allows for researchers to examine gene expression at the level of individual cells. Our goal is to elucidate the mechanism by which this drug interacts with the host immune system for hopes that this drug may be useful in the treatment of schistosomiasis and other parasitic infections.
Additional Information (Optional)
I have class 2-2:50 via zoom on March 26th.