BRIGHT
Battling Resistance in Global Health Threats
Overview
The BRIGHT pillar is dedicated to pioneering research in the field of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and drug-resistant parasites. Focusing on the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and strategies, BRIGHT aims to address the increasing challenge of drug resistance in parasitic diseases, enhancing global health outcomes.
Discovery of Novel Drug-Resistance Genes in Canine Leishmaniosis
Summary
Investigating drug-resistance mechanisms in canine leishmaniosis (CanL), caused by Leishmania infantum. This project explores the emergence of drug-resistant Leishmania strains and their impact on treatment efficacy in both dogs and humans.
Key Objectives
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Understanding the compensatory adaptations in Leishmania leading to drug resistance.
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Developing novel, targeted therapeutic approaches against these parasites.
Funding Sources
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Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Innovative Discovery and Targeting of Novel Intervention Points in Resistant Parasites
Summary
Aiming to identify and exploit new therapeutic targets against pathogenic trypanosomatids, including T. cruzi (Chagas disease), Leishmania spp., and T. brucei (Human African Trypanosomiasis). This interdisciplinary project integrates advanced biomedical technologies and collaborative expertise to develop new agents disrupting glycosome and ribosome function in parasites.
Key Objectives
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Identifying novel points of intervention for therapeutic discovery.
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Developing new agents targeting glycosome and ribosome function in resistant NTDs.
Funding Sources
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New Frontiers Research Fund
Collaborators
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William Lubell (UdeM)
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Martin Olivier (McGill)
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Ada Yonath and Anat Bashan (Weizmann Institute)
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Javier Moreno (ISCIII)
Safe and Selective Anti-Parasite Therapy Targeting Ribosome and Glycosome Function
Summary
Focusing on creating safe and selective therapies against NTDs by targeting ribosome and glycosome functions in parasites. This project seeks to develop novel agents that are effective against resistant trypanosomatid strains while minimizing host toxicity.
Key Objectives
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Developing conjugates of glycosome-targeting peptides and ribosome-targeting molecules.
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Validating mechanisms of action and characterizing efficacy in in vitro and in vivo models.
Funding Sources
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Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborators
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William Lubell (UdeM)
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Martin Olivier (McGill)
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Ada Yonath and Anat Bashan (Weizmann Institute)