Genetically Modified Parasites
Genetically Modified Parasites - Related Videos
13:39
Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites
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Cited by 9 •
2011
Genetic crosses of rodent malaria parasites are performed by feeding two genetically distinct parasites to mosquitoes. Recombinant progeny are cloned from mouse blood after allowing mosquitoes to bite infected mice. This video shows how to produce genetic crosses of Plasmodium yoelii and is applicable to other rodent malaria parasites.
17:50
Preventing the Spread of Malaria and Dengue Fever Using Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
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Cited by 10 •
2007
In this candid interview, Anthony A. James explains how mosquito genetics can be exploited to control malaria and dengue transmission. Population replacement strategy, the idea that transgenic mosquitoes can be released into the wild to control disease transmission, is introduced as well as the concept of genetic drive and the design criterion for an effective genetic drive system. The ethical considerations of releasing genetically-modified organisms into the wild are also discussed.
12:45
Testing For Genetically Modified Foods
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2023
Source: Laboratories of Margaret Workman and Kimberly Frye - Depaul University Genetic modification of foods has been a controversial issue due to debated concerns over health and environmental safety. This experiment demonstrates technical understanding of how food DNA is genetically identified, allowing for educated decision making about the safety and potential dangers of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food supplies. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to amplify food DNA...
09:23
Parasite Induced Genetically Driven Autoimmune Chagas Heart Disease in the Chicken Model
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Cited by 12 •
2012
The inoculation of Trypanosoma cruzi in fertile eggs prior to incubation renders the parasite kDNA minicircle integration in embryo cells genome. Crossbreeding reveals the vertical transfer of the mutations to progeny. The kDNA integrates into coding regions at several chromosomes and the chickens die with an inflammatory autoimmune heart disease.
02:55
Genetically Modifying CAR T Cells Using a CRISPR-Cas9 System
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2025
The video outlines a process for creating genetically modified CAR T cells through the CRISPR-Cas9 System. Infecting T cells with CRISPR and CAR lentiviruses results in modifications to the target gene and the synthesis of a chimeric antigen receptor or CAR, ultimately leading to the formation of genetically modified CAR T cells.
FAQs
Researchers can link a selected gene to a biological function by introducing, deleting, or regulating it and then examining the resulting infection-related effects. Changes in the parasite can reveal whether that gene contributes to host invasion, immune evasion, virulence, or another pathway. This relationship between genetic change and observed outcome helps clarify parasite mechanisms relevant to infection.
The use of reporter proteins gives engineered parasites an observable experimental feature for tracking infection in cells or animals. By following that signal, researchers can connect parasite behavior with host responses. This supports studies of infection progression and helps examine how innate and adaptive immunity develops during interactions between parasites and their hosts.
Changing genes associated with virulence factors can show how those factors affect infection outcomes. If a modification alters the parasite's interaction with the host, researchers can investigate its contribution to host invasion or immune evasion. This helps distinguish parasite traits that support successful infection from mechanisms that influence how the host detects and responds to the parasite.
Introducing a gene can create a new experimental trait, whereas deleting one tests the consequences of its absence. Regulating expression allows researchers to examine the effect of changing gene activity without limiting the investigation to a simple present-or-absent comparison. Together, these strategies connect selected genetic changes with parasite biology and infection-related outcomes.
Engineered parasites can help identify parasite antigens, the molecules recognized by host immunity, and can make infection easier to follow in cells or animals. These capabilities allow investigators to examine how innate defenses arise and how adaptive responses develop. The experiments connect particular parasite features with the nature of immune responses during infection.
They can support several translational research goals. Attenuated forms may be evaluated as vaccine candidates, while engineered changes can help validate potential drug targets. Their use also advances work on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment by linking defined parasite traits to infection biology. The same approach therefore informs both mechanistic studies and strategies for controlling parasitic disease.