Signaling of Trypanosoma cruzi differentiation in the insect vector

• Grant number: 13/50330-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2013
• End date: May 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology
• Agreement: Ohio State University
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Schenkman
• Grantee: Sergio Schenkman
• Principal researcher abroad: Bradford S. Mcgwire
• Institution abroad: Ohio State University, Columbus, United States
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 11/51973-3 - Cell signaling mechanism of Trypanosoma in response to nutritional alterations and genotoxic agents, AP.TEM

Abstract

Chagas disease, caused by the insect-vector borne parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is the leading cause of heart failure in Latin America. The transmission of this parasite to humans from the reduviid bug is the primary mode of infection, but the mechanisms by which the parasite survives in and acquires infectivity as it passes through the insect gut is largely unknown. Recent collaborative work by my lab at OSU and Dr. Schenkman's lab in Sao Paulo, Brazil has uncovered a novel molecular pathway in which the parasite survives attack by insect antimicrobial peptides which simultaneously stimulates parasite metabolic activity driving infectivity. This proposal is designed to enhance the collaborations between our labs by further examining this process directly in the insect vector. Funds will be used for both reciprocal travel between home institutions and research-related costs. Seminars will be given by the visiting investigators in order to disseminate information and stimulate further collaborations between the investigators and OSU and Universidade Federal de São Paulo. The results of this proposal will be published in scientific journals and be used as preliminary data in future collaborative research and educational proposals. (AU)