This rendering illustrates the essential interplay between gp82 on the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and LAMP2 on the human cell membrane. The proximity of the 2 membranes, proven right here, is an important step within the parasite’s internalization course of, enabling T. cruzi to invade and infect human cells. Credit score: Rafael C. Bernardi – Auburn College
Researchers from Auburn College, in a landmark collaboration with Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Basis (FIOCRUZ), the world’s main analysis establishment on Chagas Illness, have printed a major examine within the journal Biochemistry. The examine sheds new mild on how the Chagas Illness parasite invades human cells—an important step in the direction of creating efficient remedies for this uncared for tropical illness.
Chagas Illness, attributable to the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is historically endemic to Latin America however is more and more changing into a world well being concern. “With international travel and migration pushing the disease beyond its original borders, it’s becoming a silent threat in regions like the US and Europe where it often goes unrecognized due to nonspecific early symptoms,” says Dr. Bernardi, lead researcher at Auburn College.
The collaborative analysis utilized a novel molecular dynamics simulation to look at the interplay between the parasite’s protein gp82 and the human receptor LAMP2. This interplay is pivotal for the parasite’s entry into human cells. The examine, the primary to mannequin this interplay at such an atomic element, identifies new potential targets for therapeutic intervention which might result in the event of medication to dam the an infection course of.
“This research is not just about scientific discovery,” emphasizes Dr. Bernardi. “It’s about addressing a major, yet neglected global health issue. Chagas Disease affects millions and poses a significant burden on public health systems, particularly in Latin America. However, its spread to the US and Europe—where data on its prevalence remains scarce—highlights the urgent need for increased surveillance and research.”
This map, produced with 2018 World Well being Group information, highlights the reported instances of Chagas Illness. Whereas historically related to Latin America, the illness has unfold, silently invading new areas all over the world. Word: Knowledge covers solely a restricted portion of the globe, indicating underreporting and the potential for a considerably wider influence. Credit score: Raissa Rosa – Auburn College
FIOCRUZ’s partnership on this examine underscores the worldwide crucial to fight Chagas Illness. “Collaborating with Auburn University allows us to blend cutting-edge technology with decades of expertise in Chagas research,” says Dr. Leal da Silva, co-author and a professor at each FIOCRUZ and Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. “This study is a critical step toward a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Chagas Disease, which is essential for the development of effective treatments.”
Raissa Rosa, a graduate pupil at each FIOCRUZ and Auburn College, provides, “This collaboration has been incredibly enlightening. It allowed us to connect known experimental results with computational work that enabled us to visualize the interaction at the atomistic level. We were able to see things that not only explain the experimental results but also go beyond, revealing new aspects of the parasite-host interaction that we could never see before.”
From left to proper, Dr. Manuela Leal da Silva, Ms. Raissa Rosa, and Dr. Rafael C. Bernardi, the collaborative crew of researchers from Auburn College and FIOCRUZ who’re advancing our understanding of Chagas Illness by groundbreaking molecular dynamics simulations. Credit score: Auburn Physics
The examine additionally highlights the potential for worldwide analysis collaborations to sort out complicated well being challenges. “Chagas Disease has been neglected for far too long,” Dr. Bernardi provides. “But with the combined efforts of institutions like Auburn and FIOCRUZ, we are making significant strides in understanding and eventually mitigating this disease.”
Extra data:
Raissa S. L. Rosa et al, Atomistic Insights into gp82 Binding: A Microsecond, Million-Atom Exploration of Trypanosoma cruzi Host-Cell Invasion, Biochemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00710
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