Cell signaling and differentiation during host-parasite interactions: the trypanosome model Interuniversity Attraction Pole

pai        partners        objectives        people        publications        reports        agenda        links A project supported by the "Belgian Science Policy" (BSP) Contract No: PAI-IUAP N. P5/29 Start date: January 1, 2002 End date: December 31, 2006 The molecular mechanisms used by parasites to undergo developmental transformations and adapt to their hosts are poorly characterized. In this programme we use African trypanosomes (prototype Trypanosoma brucei) as model organisms to investigate various aspects of the dialog between the parasite and its hosts, covering the parasite-host and host-parasite interactions, the intracellular signaling pathways and the genetic mechanisms of cellular response to environmental signals: Model system: the cellular differentiation from long slender (LS) to short stumpy (SS) forms Studies on surface receptors and endocytosis Studies of metabolic changes during differentiation Trypanosome-macrophage interactions Trypanosome-tsetse fly interactions Bloodstream form trypanosomes of Trypanosoma brucei surrounded by red blood cells (courtesy Jürgen Berger)   Expert evaluation area (password required)

11 Mar 2003 Suggestions, questions ... ==> Fred Opperdoes