Research project: Characterization and functional analysis of tricorn-like proteins in Trypanosoma brucei brucei

Florence is a DRIP PhD Fellow supervised by Dr. Vincent Adunga (icipe) and Dr. Steven Ger Nyanjom and Prof. Fred Wamunyokoli both of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. Florence’s research interest includes molecular parasitology and is currently researching on “Characterization and functional analysis of tricorn-like proteins in Trypanosoma brucei brucei.”  T. brucei are tsetse-transmitted parasites causing African trypanosomiasis which threatens millions of people and livestock in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, the disease control methods include vector control and use of trypanocides which have been shown to have adverse side effects. Therefore, an understanding of unique biochemical and molecular features of T. brucei brucei may aid in the development new chemotherapeutic agents. Tricorn protease has been shown to be the core enzyme in proteolytic system in many bacterial cells. However, the presence and possible role of this protein in T. b. brucei endocytic system is still unknown. This study therefore, aims to identify and characterize tricorn-like proteins in T. b. brucei and determine their role on the pathogenicity of the parasite. Florence obtained her BSc and MSc. in Biochemistry at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. She is currently registered for a PhD at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya and is supported by a scholarship from NACOSTI.