# Tapeworm stem cells as drivers of regeneration and reproduction

> **NIH NIH DP2** · UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA · 2024 · $453,000

## Abstract

Abstract
 Parasitic flatworms, such as tapeworms, have global reach and cause a wide variety of symptoms from
intestinal distress and lethargy to organ failure, seizures, and even death. These parasites have complex life
cycles and a remarkable capacity for growth, reproduction, regeneration, and longevity. These physiological
traits are enabled by stem cells, thus understanding stem cell behaviors and regulation in these parasites has
the capacity to uncover a broad range of potential targets that can be exploited for future drug development. My
foundational work establishing the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, as a tractable modern model organism
and my initial characterization of stem cells and regeneration in this system make it ideal for this study. My goal
is to elucidate stem cell-driven regeneration and reproduction in this tapeworm. I seek to discover the signals
that regulate stem cell potency and enable regeneration of tapeworm proglottids, which are each a functional
reproductive unit. To this end, I will identify subpopulations of stem cells and functionally assay for pluripotent
potential using innovative cell isolation and transplantation methodologies. I have previously shown that
microenvironmental signals that regulate regenerative ability are anteriorly biased. Thus, I will undertake high-
throughput gene expression screening and RNA interference by targeting factors that are polarized along the
anterior-posterior axis across the regeneration-competent tapeworm neck. Furthermore, I will functionally identify
genetic regulators of the germline lineage and investigate the potential plasticity of germ cells, as well as their
coordination with mechanisms that govern proglottid regeneration. These innovative studies exploit the natural
progression of parasite development to make genetic discoveries and take a stem cell-centric approach to
illuminate parasite biology. This is significant as I will be able to make fundamental discoveries in both stem and
germ cell biology, as well as in a greater disease-relevant context.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10794338
- **Project number:** 5DP2AI154416-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Tania Rozario
- **Activity code:** DP2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $453,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-03-05 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10794338

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10794338, Tapeworm stem cells as drivers of regeneration and reproduction (5DP2AI154416-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10794338. Licensed CC0.

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