About our Research
The Heaslip lab is focused on understanding the biology of human pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite and the causative agent of Toxoplasmosis.
T. gondii is transmitted to humans through consumption of raw or undercooked meat or ingestion of oocysts from soil or litter boxes in which infected cats have defecated.
Approximately 1 in 5 people worldwide are chronically infected with the parasite. Although infections in immune competent individuals are often asymptomatic, T. gondii causes life-threatening disease in immunocompromised persons. Additionally, if acute infection occurs during pregnancy, the parasite can be transmitted to the fetus causing blindness, brain damage or death.
Featured News
Heaslip Lab Attends NEAP Meeting 2025
On May 3rd the Heaslip Lab attended the 2025 New England Association of Parasitologists at Lehman College NY. Aoife was invited as Keynote speaker, Mike gave a talk, and the rest of the gang presented posters. Great job everyone!
[Read More]Toxoplasma gondii actin filaments are tuned for rapid disassembly and turnover
Published: February 28, 2024 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46111-3
[Read More]Actin and an unconventional myosin motor, TgMyoF, control the organization and dynamics of the endomembrane network in Toxoplasma gondii
Published: February 2, 2021 https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1008787
[Read More]