The parasite Toxoplasmosis is complex and difficult to study, but a new model system may change that, according to a team from the University and Montana State University that has developed a way to conduct powerful genetic studies.

In the past, researchers have largely used such traditional lab models as yeast or E. coli bacteria to understand processes, and the results have at times been mixed.

Many aspects of how Apicomplexa, the virus that causes Toxoplasmosis, live and cause disease remain poorly understood at the mechanistic level because they only

find poor matches in the biology of traditional model organisms.

The team developed methods to generate large numbers of mutant parasites with defective growth and tools to identify the genes carrying the mutation. This type of study, often dubbed “forward genetics,” allows scientists to discover novel genes behind essential biological processes.

“Using this new approach, we have genetically dissected the way the parasite divides and multiplies within its host cell,” said University cellular biologist Boris Striepen of the Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases.

“Importantly, this approach should be broadly applicable, allowing unbiased genetic analysis of any part of parasite biology for which a screen can be devised using this model.”

The research was published Feb. 15 in the journal Public Library of Science Pathogens.

Michael White of Montana State University co-authored the paper.

Spring enrollment drops one percent

Spring semester enrollment at the University is measured as 32,177, marking a one percent drop from last year’s record spring enrollment.

The total includes 31,210 students attending classes at main campus in Athens and 884 students enrolled at extended campuses in Gwinnett County and in Griffin and Tifton. An additional 83 students are enrolled in independent study.

Though down by 333 students from Spring 2007′s record of 32,510 students, this year’s total is the third-highest spring semester enrollment in University history. The second-highest was 32,329 in 2004.

Homeland Security to address NBAF

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will hold an informal community meeting to answer questions about the proposed National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility on Tuesday from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel.

University-owned property on South Milledge Avenue is one of six sites under consideration by Homeland Security for NBAF.

The new national facility would address the federal government’s need for research and development space to meet threats from foreign animal diseases that affect livestock and diseases that may transmit from animals to humans.

Experts from Homeland Security, the U. S. Department of Agriculture and Plum Island Animal Disease Center will present information about the mission of NBAF, its design, safety measures, impact on the environment and more.

The officials also will answer written and oral questions.

“The top concerns of the Athens community will be addressed,” said David Lee, University vice president for research and lead of the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security.

- University News Services