Aliou Dia
Contact Information:
Training Program:
Postdoctoral scientist in malaria genomics/transcriptomics
Mentor(s):
David Serre, Ph.D.
Summary of the Research Project:
Plasmodium vivax the most geographically widespread human malaria parasite can form dormant liver stages known as hypnozoites. The hypnozoites are unaffected by most of antimalarial drugs and can remain dormant for weeks or month before reactivation and initiation of blood stage infection. These characteristics represent major challenges for malaria control and elimination. My main research area is focused on understanding the biology of latent P. vivax parasites. I use genomic tools to study the transcriptional activities of parasites collected from non-human primates’ livers to better understand the molecular mechanism leading to dormant stage as well as the activation of hypnozoites. I am also interested on host parasite interactions and will study the cells host response to the infection. Identification of the mechanism underlying the factors determining hypnozoites persistence, activation and interaction with their host can inform on potential drug targets on liver stage infection and contribute to malaria control efforts.
Education:
D. Population Genetics, Sorbonne Université – Université Pierre et Marie Curie (France).
Sc. Ecology and Evolution of Parasites, University of Montpellier 2 (France).
Achievements and Honors:
- Co-organizer of Texas Biomedical Research Institute Journal Club from 2018 to 2021.
- 2014: ISSHA travel awards: Travel awards to attend the 16th International Conference on Harmful Algae (oral presentation). ICHA 2014. New Zealand. 27‐32 October. Wellington, New Zealand. http://www.issha.org/Welcome-to-ISSHA/Awards/Travel-Awards
- 2014: GdR PHYCOTOX awards: Support for participation (oral presentation) at 16th International Conference on Harmful Algae. ICHA 2014. New Zealand. 27‐32 October.
- 2017: Texas Biomedical Research Institute first place poster presentation for the 5TH annual San Antonio Postdoctoral Research Forum, September 21, 2017.
About me:
In my spare time, I enjoy running, I also enjoy reading politic books as well as many French and African literature. When possible, I like playing soccer.