# RUI: Genetic mechanisms that regulate surface protein remodeling during life cycle transitions in the African trypanosome parasite

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Harvey Mudd College (CA) · $573,378

## Abstract

African trypanosomes are parasites transmitted to the bloodstream of humans and cattle via the bite of the tsetse fly. Infected humans and animals develop African trypanosomiasis, a disease that is fatal if untreated. The parasites cover themselves with different surface proteins depending on whether they are in the mammal or the fly, and these surface proteins are key to the survival of the parasite in both organisms. The scientific goal of this project is to understand the molecular mechanism that allows the parasite to change its surface proteins when it travels from the mammalian bloodstream to the gut of the fly following a bloodmeal. Understanding this mechanism will help shed light on how parasites evolved to adapt to different environments and could inform strategies to generate alternate therapies for the disease. The educational goal of the project is to allow full participation of 3 high school students and 10-12 undergraduates in cutting-edge research to help prepare them for careers in academia and biotechnology industries. Undergraduates participating in the program will attend lectures, career panels, and networking events with leaders in the biotechnology industry to expose them to exciting applications of biotechnology and help prepare them for careers in these fields. Rigorous research training at the high school and undergraduate level will create the foundation for these students to become leaders in industries that improve the health of the American public.

The African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, undergoes morphological and metabolic adaptation as it switches hosts. During transition from the mammalian bloodstream to the fly midgut, parasites remodel their cell surface, switching from a thick protein coat of antigenically variable variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) to an invariant procyclin coat in the fly midgut. While the environmental cues that trigger surface protein remodeling have been identified, little is known about the genetic 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2544021
- **Awardee organization:** Harvey Mudd College (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** C76JKA5JY2B3
- **PI:** Danae Schulz
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANOSCALE BIO CORE, Biotechnology, REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
- **Estimated total:** $573,378
- **Funds obligated:** $573,378
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/01/2026 → 07/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2544021

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2544021, RUI: Genetic mechanisms that regulate surface protein remodeling during life cycle transitions in the African trypanosome parasite. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-16 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2544021. Licensed CC0.

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