“With the unique and elaborate ventral disc, eight flagella, two spindles, and other novel microtubule arrays, Giardia is an excellent protist to study the function and evolution of the cytoskeleton. Also, the attachment and motility are two key aspects of Giardia biology that are essential for pathogenesis.”

Scott C. DawsonProfessor (PI)

“With two diploid nuclei, essentially tetraploid Giardia trophozoites have presented a formidable challenge for the development of molecular genetic tools. Yet, we currently have developed CRISPR-based methods for transcriptional knockdown (CRISPRi) and quadruple knockouts with up to five selectable markers that enable unprecedented access to the biology of this unique protistan parasite.”

Kari HagenSenior Staff Scientist

“All cells inherit parts of cellular structures during cell division a process often called non-genetic, or structural inheritance. I study how Giardia regulates the inheritance, reoganization, and modification of inherited cytoskeletal organelles including the ventral disc and the eight flagella following cell division.”

Joseph WilliamsMGG Graduate Student

“Where do new organelles like the ventral disc come from? By studying ventral disc proteins (or DAPs) in a close Giardia relative that lacks a ventral disc - Spironucleus salmonicida - I aim to discover the ancestral functions of DAPs.”

Alexander ZerkleMGG Graduate Student