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Parasite Signaling

Research Focus

Our team is dedicated to unraveling these signaling cascades, their cross-talk, and their broader implications for intracellular calcium dynamics. Previous work has successfully employed optogenetic tools to modulate cyclic nucleotide signaling, alongside genetically encoded biosensors to monitor perturbations in second messengers and intracellular calcium levels in real time. These advanced techniques have significantly enhanced our understanding of the spatiotemporal regulation of key signaling events. Building on this foundation, we are leveraging state-of-the-art imaging technologies and algorithm-driven software to achieve unprecedented resolution in studying these phenomena at the microscopic level. To further augment our research capabilities, we have established collaborations with globally recognized experts in the field.

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Introduction

The ability of Toxoplasma gondii to survive within diverse host cells and adapt to a wide range of stress conditions—be it nutritional or immunological—relies on an intricate and highly efficient signaling machinery. This adaptive mechanism enables the parasite to sense and respond to environmental cues and transition between various life cycle stages. Notable signaling pathways involved in these processes include cyclic nucleotide signaling, inositol phosphate signaling, and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. A central feature of these pathways is the disruption of intracellular calcium ion homeostasis, a key mediator of downstream responses critical for the parasite's survival and virulence.

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Team: Signaling Sensors

The team investigates complex signaling pathways and the metabolic intricacies of T. gondii.

  • Ramya investigates cAMP signaling mechanisms and their role in parasite biology.

  • Shivashis explores cGMP signaling and its functional relevance in Toxoplasma.

  • Swaroop specializes in inositol phosphate and phosphoinositide signaling pathways.

  • Ankita studies signaling pathways and cytoskeletal dynamics during parasite invasion.

Together, the team aims to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing Toxoplasma signaling and its impact on host-parasite interactions.

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