University of Georgia
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Author: Donna Huber

Potent Tetrahydroquinolone Eliminates Apicomplexan Parasites

Donna Huber on June 9, 2020

Apicomplexan infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality, worldwide. New, improved therapies are needed. Herein, we create a next generation anti-apicomplexan lead compound, JAG21, a tetrahydroquinolone, with increased sp3-character to improve parasite selectivity. Relative to other cytochrome b inhibitors, JAG21 has improved solubility and ADMET properties, without need for pro-drug. JAG21 significantly reduces Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and encysted bradyzoites in vitro, …

Plastid Biogenesis in Malaria Parasites Requires the Interactions and Catalytic Activity of the Clp Proteolytic System

Donna Huber on June 2, 2020

The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, contains an essential plastid called the apicoplast. Most apicoplast proteins are encoded by the nuclear genome and it is unclear how the plastid proteome is regulated. Here, we study an apicoplast-localized caseinolytic-protease (Clp) system and how it regulates organelle proteostasis. Using null and conditional mutants, we demonstrate that the P. falciparum Clp …

Limonoids From Cipadessa baccifera

Donna Huber on May 29, 2020

Eighteen new limonoids, including eight methyl angolensates (1-8) and 10 cipadesins (9-18), were isolated from the leaves of Cipadessa baccifera. Their structures were characterized by means of spectroscopic data analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and quantum chemistry computational methods. The C-6 configurations in those compounds possessing a C-6 hydroxy group were all assigned as S regardless of the magnitude …

Using Population Genetics to Examine Relationships of Dirofilaria Immitis Based on Both Macrocyclic Lactone-Resistance Status and Geography

Donna Huber on May 23, 2020

Prevention of infection with canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is based on the compliant administration of macrocyclic lactone (ML) drugs. Resistance to ML drugs is well documented in D. immitis; however, there remains a paucity of information on the spatial distribution and prevalence of resistant isolates. This project aims to improve understanding of ML-resistance by using a …

Combination of Serological, Antigen Detection, and DNA Data for Plasmodium Falciparum Provides Robust Geospatial Estimates for Malaria Transmission in Haiti

Donna Huber on May 21, 2020

Microscopy is the gold standard for malaria epidemiology, but laboratory and point-of-care (POC) tests detecting parasite antigen, DNA, and human antibodies against malaria have expanded this capacity. The island nation of Haiti is endemic for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria, though at a low national prevalence and heterogenous geospatial distribution. In 2015 and 2016, serosurveys were …

May 2020 Newsletter

Donna Huber on May 19, 2020

The Arch with early morning sunlight filtering through the trees of North Campus. Credit: Peter Frey/UGA Marketing and Communications The May CTEGD Newsletter is now available. In this issue... Faculty Honors Trainee Updates Research news Grants Giving Opportunities

CTEGD names travel fund for Daniel G. Colley

Donna Huber on May 18, 2020

Dr. Dan Colley with students (photo credit: Andrew Tucker) One day Daniel Colley raised his hand to volunteer, setting in motion five decades of scientific adventures. It was 1969, and Colley’s postdoctoral adviser, ByronWaksman, a renowned immunologist at Yale University School of Medicine, had stepped into the laboratory and asked if anyone wanted to go …