Intellectual disability (ID) and concomitant developmental delay are severe neurodevelopmental conditions which affect approximately 1% of the world population.
Within the epithelial layers of our barrier surfaces resides a complex and unconventional pool of T cells collectively called intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL).
The African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, is transmitted among mammalian hosts by tsetse flies. These unicellular parasites cause sleeping sickness, also known as Human African Trypanosomiasis, which is typically fatal if left untreated, and the livestock disease known as nagana.
This project will essentially be data-driven, using large complex genomics and transcriptomics datasets and advanced bioinformatics to validate and expand gene networks and infer gene function.
Development of new drugs against parasitic diseases is a major need. We are studying a novel class of boron-containing drugs that have action against trypanosomatids, and for which we have evidence of multiple modes of action and activation.
Pioneering discoveries from our Laboratory and others have contributed to the establishment of a new modality of chemical intervention into biological system.
In order to maintain genetic stability and prevent the amplification of chromosome segments, the process of DNA replication occurs in two strictly non-overlapping phases.
Maintaining intracellular homeostasis and mitochondrial health in a changing environment is essential for cell survival. The nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2, gene name NFE2L2) allows adaptation and survival under various conditions of stress.
