Genome-wide overexpression library in Giardia spp. for drug target discovery

Giardiasis is a foodborne and waterborne disease that affects people worldwide, and it causes enteric diseases with outbreaks of diarrhea in adults and children. There are a few drugs available for treating Giardia spp. infections and they are associated with low efficacy, adverse effects, and drug resistance is spreading. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify new drugs and understand drug mechanisms of action. The goal of this project is to generate a genome-wide gene overexpression library to identify new drug targets. In this approach, transgenic Giardia parasites will be created to express genes to high levels. These parasites will be screened against drugs (e.g., metronidazole and others) to identify new drug targets by selecting drug-resistant parasites and sequencing resistance/target genes. This innovative approach, combined with other genetic and biochemical methods, will also help shed light on drug action and resistance mechanisms.

Faculty Supervisor:

Igor Cestari

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Biotechnology; Pharmaceuticals

University:

McGill University

Program: