Roberto Docampo, MD, PhD, University of Georgia

The Docampo laboratory's work is centered in the characterization of metabolic pathways in protozoan parasites. They work with Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, and Toxoplasma gondii. Their ultimate goal is to discover metabolic pathways in these parasites that may be essential for their survival but may not find an equivalent counterpart in their host. They study ion homeostasis mechanisms and intracellular calcium and pH regulation, and their importance in parasite physiology. They are also interested in signaling pathways since there is evidence that these pathways have important roles during the developmental cycle of these parasites. In addition, a pathway that is also very important for the survival and fitness of these parasites is the isoprenoid pathway. Numerous molecules with important roles are the products of this pathway and their characterization in these parasites is far from finished.