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• Genetic Analysis of Host-Parasite Interactions

• Member, Advisory Board, Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico

Summary

My research program is focused on the genetic determinants of complex characteristics that are associated with disease processes and with normal development.  Utilizing statistical genetic approaches and genome-wide scanning techniques, we are assessing the genetic components of a number of parasitic diseases.  These investigations are being pursued in two large-scale human population studies.  The intestinal worm infections which affect a quarter of the world’s population (hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm) are the focus of a genetic epidemiological study in the Jirels of Nepal.  Over 2500 members of a single pedigree participate in the study which to date has localized 10 genes influencing levels of helminthic infection.  The second family study is based ion rural Brazil and focuses on the genetic determinants of susceptibility to Chagas disease which is the leading cause of heart disease in Latin America.  We are assessing the genetic components of susceptibility to infection with the parasitic cause of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) and of cardiac disease progression in individuals who are infected with T. cruzi.  The extensive genetic characterization of the human populations involved in our studies of parasitic disease makes them incredibly valuable for other studies.  This year, we will initiate two new studies in the Jirel population, a study of dental traits aimed at understanding the genetic determinants of the dentognathic complex, and a study of bone density designed to identify genes influencing risk for osteoporosis.

In addition to my research on infectious disease, I have a research program on the genetic factors influencing aging.  This study builds on the unique resources that have been generated by the San Antonio Family Heart Study which has characterized the genetic components of heart disease in approximately 40 large Mexican American Families over the last 20 years.  Utilizing the transcriptional profiles that have been generated for the Mexican American population, we have identified over 4000 transcripts that are significantly correlated with chronological age.  While most transcript levels show a decrease with age, 43% of transcripts show an increase in transcription with age.  After the first year of data generation in this project, we are in the process of preparing several publications reporting evidence for genotype-by-aging interaction influencing transcription, and for the localization of genes influencing molecular function-specific biological age.

Genetic research with human populations is a major focus of my program, but not all research questions can be answered by studies of humans.  As a result, I have devoted significant effort to improving the management of captive nonhuman primate populations for biomedical and genetic research.  Through work with the Southwest National Primate Research Center, the Nepal Center for Biomedical Research, and the Caribbean Primate Research Center, I have continued research the on genetic management of nonhuman primates.

Education

Publications