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out of the Biosystems Research Complex at
Clemson University, and part of Clemson's
Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, the Morris labs study protozoan
parasites, such as those caused by kineoplastids and apicomplexans. The kinetoplastids
are a widespread group of flagellated protozoa
whose members parasitize virtually all animal
groups as well as plants, insects and bacteria.These
include Arican trypanosomes, American trypanosomes, and Leishmania spp. Concurrent with our work on
trypanosomes, we investigate obligate
intracellular parasites, such as the
parasite Neospora,
which is a similar to the much-studied Toxoplasma
parasite. |
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GFP-expressing
Trypanosomes
(click image to see larger
picture) |
Trypanosome,
labeled with lectins or surface molecule- specific antibodies.
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Our
broad goal is the study of protozoan parasites using
genetic and biochemical tools. We work to decipher
the mysteries of genetic and biochemical function
in disease causing microorganisms. In a larger sense,
our research uses parasites to study cellular
and genetic function.
Click here to hear JCM talk about the lab on "Your Day" on SC Public Radio. |
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Click
on the thumbs above to see larger images of the Biosystems
Research Complex.
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The
kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma brucei
is known to be the cause of a disease
called African Sleeping Sickness. According
to the World Health Organization, a major
epidemic of Sleeping Sickness that started
in 1970 is still underway in Africa (click
here to read the WHO fact sheet on African
Sleeping Sickness.) Transmitted by the
tsetse fly, the African trypanosome undergoes
a significant amount of development as the
parasite moves to and from the mammal and
insect hosts. These developmental changes
are at the crux of our study of trypanosomes
at Morris Labs. Through a process known as RNAi
(RNA interference) we can learn about
the details of Trypanosoma brucei's
genetic makeup, in the hopes that we can lead
to its eventual...(Click
here to continue exploring RNAi and trypanosome
research at Morris labs.) |
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Click
the above image to see a large image of
a collection of Neospora. |
Neospora
caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are
closely related, morphologically indistinguishable
parasites that exhibit different host specificities.
T. gondii infection is associated with
human disease with severe complications in immunodepressed
individuals as well as transplacentally infected
fetuses. N. caninum has not yet been found
associated with human disease, but is associated
with bovine abortions imposing significant losses
to the dairy and beef industries. The molecular
and biochemical basis of these differences is unknown.
We are interested in using genetic, biochemical,
and biological techniques to elucidate how these
closely related organisms have evolved to occupy
such distinct niches.(Click
here to continue in your investigations of Neospora
caninum...) |
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Our
work takes place in a new, state of the art research
lab within the Biosystems Research Complex. Our
lab is constantly growing. |
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| Morris Labs is an ever-changing place. Please visit this site often. |
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| Above
are some images from the lab's construction. (Click
on the thumbs for larger images). (For a comparison of how things are now, click here.) |
Below are more images of the people that make up
Morris Labs. Click on each thumb to learn more!
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Contact
Morris Labs:
Department of Genetics and Biochemistry
Clemson University
214 Biosystems Research Complex
51 New Cherry Street
Clemson SC 29634-0324
Click
here to visit our contact page!
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