Carbon Metabolism
Research Focus
Our group is dedicated to elucidating the metabolic design principles that underpin intracellular parasitism, using T. gondii as a model eukaryotic pathogen. This research involves dissecting the regulatory mechanisms that drive metabolic reprogramming during infection and investigating the therapeutic potential of key metabolic pathways. By integrating cutting-edge systems biology, molecular genetics, and metabolomics approaches, we aim to comprehensively understand the parasite’s metabolic flexibility and role in host adaptation.
Introduction
Toxoplasma gondii is among the most successful pathogens on Earth, capable of infecting virtually all nucleated cells in a wide range of warm-blooded organisms, including humans. Approximately one-third of the global population is seropositive for this parasite, underscoring its extraordinary adaptability and prevalence. This broad host range is attributed to the parasite’s remarkable ability to reprogram its metabolic network in response to diverse nutritional environments encountered within host cells.
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Team: Metabolic Masters​
The team of doctoral and research associates works together to unravel the metabolic intricacies of T. gondii:
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Lakesh studies Toxoplasma gondii post-translational modifications (PTMs) to elucidate metabolic regulation at the host-parasite interface.
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Priyanka focuses on the metabolic regulation of Toxoplasma gondii, specifically investigating the parasite's one-carbon metabolism pathway.
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Dr. Kranthi explores the plant-like traits of Toxoplasma gondii, focusing on its metabolic enzyme systems.
Together, the team is advancing our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of parasite metabolism and its implications for therapeutic intervention.