Eukaryotic pathogens are the causative agents of some of the most devastating and intractable diseases of humans, including malaria, amebic dysentery, sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and meningitis. The global impact of these diseases is immense. It is noteworthy that many of these pathogens are the causative agents of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and/or are also classified as bioterrorism agents. Importantly, infections caused by eukaryotic pathogens are increasing in the US due to globalization. The primary goal of this COBRE proposal is to increase the number of NIH-funded scientists in the state of South Carolina by establishing a world-class research center, the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC), at Clemson University (CU). The scientific focus of EPIC will be a multidisciplinary study of important global eukaryotic pathogens. Five projects from target junior investigators will be supported. Their projects are 1) The role of acetate fermentation in Entamoeba histolytica virulence; 2) Glycosome biogenesis in African trypanosomes; 3) Glucose Sensing and Hexokinases in the African Trypanosome; 4) Fatty acid synthesis in Trypanosoma brucei, and 5) Exploring the mechanisms of fluconazole-induced aneuploidy in Cryptococcus neoformans. These investigators will be matched with mentors who are established NIH-funded researchers. The projects will be supported by a well-organized Administrative Core and two state-of-the-art Scientific Cores in Genomics, Imaging and Cell Sorting, and Mass Spectroscopy. The Scientific Cores will also benefit at least two other COBRE-funded centers in the state of South Carolina and other faculty at CU. The center also has a substantial infrastructure base and significant institutional support. For example, CU will recruit three additional investigators to expand activities of this center over the course of the project period. Pledges of graduate assistantships, equipment, and space further exemplify the institutional commitment. This COBRE-funded center will significantly expand research in South Carolina and will facilitate recruitment, training, and retention of a critical mass of investigatos with cross-disciplinary skills in this important research area.

Public Health Relevance

Eukaryotic pathogens cause devastating diseases in humans including malaria, dysentery, sleeping sickness, and meningitis. A world-class center, the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC), will be established at Clemson University. Research in this center will provide insight into the biology and virulence of this class of pathogens and will enhance the scientific visibility of the state of South Carolina.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Exploratory Grants (P20)
Project #
5P20GM109094-05
Application #
9900800
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZGM1)
Program Officer
Bernal, Federico
Project Start
2016-04-15
Project End
2021-03-31
Budget Start
2020-04-01
Budget End
2021-03-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Clemson University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
042629816
City
Clemson
State
SC
Country
United States
Zip Code
29634
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