Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The long-term goal of the research program is to understand ABC-transporter mediated drug resistance in parasitic nematodes, using the filarial nematode Brugia malayi as the model organism.  The short-term objectives propose research that would expand the basic knowledge of ABC transporters and would (1) identify and classify all ABC transporters in B. malayi, (2) identify their tissue distribution, (3) determine their constitutive expression in all life cycle stages and (4) determine their expression in drug treated or resistant worms.  The identification and characterization of ABC transporters in B. malayi requires molecular biology equipment, such as a two-dimensional protein electrophoresis system, a refrigerated microcentrifuge and a gradient thermal cycler.  A carbon dioxide incubator is required to culture the parasite.