University of California-Davis · Microbiology & ImmunologyGiardia Attachment Mechanisms Lab
Scott C Dawson · Davis, California
Research Focus
Scott C. Dawson's lab at UC Davis studies the mechanisms of how the Giardia lamblia parasite attaches to the intestines. They are particularly focused on a unique organelle called the ventral disc, which allows Giardia to adhere to the intestinal wall, causing diseases like diarrhea. By using advanced imaging and genetic tools, the lab aims to uncover how this attachment occurs and to find potential treatments against Giardia infections.
Giardia lambliaventral discintestinal parasiteattachment mechanismsCRISPRbiophysical analysisparasitologydiarrheal diseasevirulence
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of the ventral disc in Giardia attachment to the intestine.
AIM 02Identify key disc-associated proteins involved in contractile attachment mechanisms.
AIM 03Evaluate the forces generated during the contraction of the ventral disc.
AIM 04Develop new genetic tools to create knockout strains of Giardia.
AIM 05Explore potential therapeutic targets to combat giardiasis.
Skills the Lab Values
live imagingCRISPR gene editingfluorescent taggingbiophysical assaysgenetic knockout techniquescell culturemicroscopydata analysisprotein analysis
Output against the department
Publications113bottom 42% of dept.279th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations6.0kbottom 44% of dept.271st of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
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