Research Questions
How does Toxoplasma initiate infection in a new host?
Toxoplasma secretes many proteins into the host cells to modulate host processes, such as host immune responses and cell cycle, to ensure its survival and transmission. This project uses a reverse genetic approach to identify genes that encode developmental stage-specific secreted effector proteins. Such proteins will likely be trafficked into the host cell and operate at the host/pathogen interface.
How does Toxoplasma transition between metabolic distinct stages during infection?
Cellular differentiation is critical for Toxoplasma transmission and virulence. The parasite efficiently alternates between metabolically distinct forms. How Toxoplasma alternates between these disparate metabolic states during infection remains an open question. In this project, we focus on understanding the contribution of developmental regulated metabolic enzymes to Toxoplasma stage conversion.
How does Toxoplasma regulate gene expression during differentiation?
The transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of Toxoplasma are very dynamic. As the parasite progresses through the developmental cycle, it uses various molecular mechanisms to regulate gene expression. In this project, we assess the importance of alternative splicing in regulating gene expression during development.
How are proteins trafficked to specialized organelles in Toxoplasma?
Toxoplasma belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa, which includes pathogens, such as Plasmodium falciparum. They have specialized secretory organelles, called micronemes, rhoptries, and dense granules. Proteins secreted from these organelles are critical for virulence. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanisms of protein trafficking to these organelles.