Model Organisms

We employ three congruent protozoan parasite models, namely Toxoplasma, Plasmodium and Eimeria which cause toxoplasmosis, malaria and diarrhea, respectively. These parasites have adapted to an obligate intracellular lifestyle in a wide range of host organisms. From a conceptual viewpoint, these pathogens enable us to examine the survival strategies of a eukaryotic cell inhabiting another eukaryotic cell (a cell within a cell) and network design principles of intracellular parasitism (what makes a parasite a parasite). In translational terms, our work has direct implications for human and veterinary healthcare because infection depends on the ability of intracellular parasites to switch lifecycle stages and exploit host-derived resources.

Conceptual Themes

Our research aims is to discern the impact of metabolism and signaling on the pathogenesis, persistence and adaptation of aforesaid pathogens. The work helps us fathom network design and underlying regulation in parasites with respect to mammalian host cells, which is vital to find specific diagnostic and intervention strategies. Another thrust area is Optobiology with a particular emphasis on optogenetic dissection of cyclic nucleotides signaling cascades governing the development of major lifecycle stages in these parasites. Not least, we are endeavoring to determine the quintessence and evolution of Warburg-like phenomenon in protozoan parasites. A topical extension of this work has already led to a novel dogma whether parasites may exhibit cancer-like phenotype, or contrariwise, whether we can envisage cancer cells (transmissible ones at least) as being new parasitic species. A nascent project in our group aims to nurture this idea further with an objective to eventually bridge the seemingly-detached disciplines of molecular parasitology and tumor biology. It integrates system biology to model metabolisms of dividing cells (microbes and tumors) to decipher the core design principles of clonal reproduction and parasitism. Once endorsed, the work would have a wide range of impact in research and therapeutic treatments of both threats.