Signal transduction pathways triggered in host cells by the mammalian-infective forms of T. cruzi are required for the invasion process. Specifically the second messengers Ca+2 and cAMP are known effectors of T. cruzi induced host cell signaling. The goals of this proposal are to elucidate these signaling pathways by the identification of the specific host protein factors that are involved. Host cell kinases and phosphatases will be identified and their roles in invasion and/or host cell gene expression will be characterized. The events induced by wild-type T. cruzi will be compared to those induced by a mutant strain that is defective in triggering a specific Ca+2 host cell response, required for invasion of mammalian cells. Finally, cDNA micro array hybridization will be used to identify host cell genes that are differentially expressed during T. cruzi infection.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01AI047960-03S1
Application #
6730095
Study Section
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section (TMP)
Program Officer
Rogers, Martin J
Project Start
2003-04-15
Project End
2004-06-30
Budget Start
2003-04-15
Budget End
2003-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$11,148
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
149617367
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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