Dec
26
Toxoplasma Experiments @ the NIH
To complete the more exciting half of my PhD thesis, I will need to experimentally validate my predicted drug targets! For this, I have been working in collaboration with Toxoplasma geneticist, Dr. Michael Grigg, to examine the activity of my enzyme candidates in these parasites. I’ve just returned from a 6-week stint at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, which was a fantastic learning experience for both myself and my research. This was my second time living in the USA for an extended period (the first was for a undergraduate co-op term at Michigan State University), and by far the most rewarding! Toxoplasma, a close relative of the malaria parasite causing toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised populations, serves as an excellent model for members of the Apicomplexa (large group of single-celled eukaryotic parasites) owing to its genetic amenability and ease of transfection. Under the microscope Toxoplasma can be seen pirouetting and swimming happily amongst each other. With the gracious assistance of Alex, I have been able to do some preliminary experiments to examine the activity of my enzymes in Toxoplasma. While much work still needs to be done, I am pleased with my progress and eager to return for more experiments!!