Advisor Information
Dr. Paul Davis
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a waterborne parasitic worm infection able to infect in the larval stage through direct skin penetration. This disease affects approximately 270 million people worldwide and is widespread in tropical as well as subtropical regions with higher distribution in areas lacking sufficient sanitation and safe drinking water. Although some possible alternatives are emerging, currently, the most effective drug treatment is praziquantel (PZQ). However, PZQ is only effective against the adult stage of the worm, allowing juvenile worms to progress in the infection. Furthermore, Schistosoma is developing resistance to this drug as reduced efficacy has been noted. As a result, the need for drug discovery and testing is increased. Analog SA01, a derivative drug-like compound of aryl hydantoin Ro 13-3978, is being investigated to treat Schistosomiasis. First, an acute (single dose) toxicity study was conducted in vivo to find the maximum tolerated dose of compound SA01. Secondly, possible targets of SA01 were investigated by employing a MesoScale study for cytokine quantification as well as a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to study gene expression post treatment. Finally, I determined the efficacy of SA01 against Schistosoma worms in a worm burden reduction assay.
Exploring Anti-Schistosoma Analog SA01
Schistosomiasis is a waterborne parasitic worm infection able to infect in the larval stage through direct skin penetration. This disease affects approximately 270 million people worldwide and is widespread in tropical as well as subtropical regions with higher distribution in areas lacking sufficient sanitation and safe drinking water. Although some possible alternatives are emerging, currently, the most effective drug treatment is praziquantel (PZQ). However, PZQ is only effective against the adult stage of the worm, allowing juvenile worms to progress in the infection. Furthermore, Schistosoma is developing resistance to this drug as reduced efficacy has been noted. As a result, the need for drug discovery and testing is increased. Analog SA01, a derivative drug-like compound of aryl hydantoin Ro 13-3978, is being investigated to treat Schistosomiasis. First, an acute (single dose) toxicity study was conducted in vivo to find the maximum tolerated dose of compound SA01. Secondly, possible targets of SA01 were investigated by employing a MesoScale study for cytokine quantification as well as a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to study gene expression post treatment. Finally, I determined the efficacy of SA01 against Schistosoma worms in a worm burden reduction assay.
Additional Information (Optional)
I am available 1-4 pm on March 26