Duraisingh Lab
Our laboratory investigates various facets of the biology of host-parasite interactions during malaria blood-stage infections. We use several experimental approaches to identify critical molecules and pathways with the goal of informing vaccine and drug development.
Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
651 Huntington Avenue
FXB Building, Room 205
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
Team Members
Dr. Manoj Duraisingh
Dr. Duraisingh obtained a B.A. degree in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford, and M.Sc and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular Parasitology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, conducting research on the molecular basis of drug-resistance in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Dr. Duraisingh then pursued postdoctoral research in molecular parasitology at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia, studying the fundamental parasitic processes of host cell invasion and antigenic variation in P. falciparum.
Dr. Duraisingh has been at the Harvard School of Public Health since 2002, and is the John LaPorte Given Professor in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases. He is also an associate member at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, as well as a Team Leader for the MESA International Center for Excellence in Malaria Research.
Researchers
Research Scientists
Usheer is interested in understanding the interactions between parasites and host red blood cells that are involved in the process of invasion and is currently working to identify host receptors of P. vivax using host genetic and proteomic approaches. When not in the lab, Usheer enjoys spending as much time outdoors, running, hiking and occasionally even gardening.
Aditya studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide malaria parasites from an infected host cell to a new cell for re-infection and proliferation. When not thinking about malaria biology (and also sometimes when doing so), he enjoy penning tunes inspired by his dog.
Jacob is a research associate in the Duraisingh and Neafsey labs. His background is in computational evolutionary genetics across numerous species including snails, strawberries, frogs, and humans. At HSPH he is joining the malaria research community, examining genomics of hosts and parasites. In his spare time Jacob likes to bike, play the piano, and share his love of science on the internet.
Research Associates
Natasha is a physician scientist with a focus on sickle-cell disease.
Cora is a Visiting Postdoctoral Research Associate from Vamsi Mootha’s laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is currently working with the Duraisingh lab on the collaborative HHMI Emerging Pathogens Initiative project. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing and exploring new trails with her dog (Pebbles).
Research Assistants
Niel is a research assistant currently working across several projects in the Duraisingh lab. In the lab, Niel generates genetically modified parasite lines across three different organisms in the Apicompelxa family with a special interest in gametocyte conversion. Outside the lab, Niel enjoys hiking, writing videogame reviews, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends and family!
Keare is currently working on polymorphisms associated with the multidrug resistance protein 1 (pvmdr1) to understand its mechanism of resistance. During her spare time, she enjoys cooking and traveling to new places.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Sheena‘s scientific background is firmly rooted in parasite molecular biology and biochemistry. Most of her lab time is spent trying to understand the complex mechanism underlying tropism and invasion pathways employed by Plasmodium vivax and its primate sibling P. cynomolgi. Outside of work, Sheena likes checking off destinations from her travel bucket list, experiencing varied cultures and cuisines.
Merryn is using genetic approaches to explore and discover human proteins that are important during malaria infection.
I am working on a project titled “Comparative Systems Biology of Apicomplexan Cell Division,” using cell biology and single-cell RNA sequencing to understand the changes in cell division and nuclear architecture in Plasmodium falciparum parasites.
My research focuses on understanding mitochondrial function during Plasmodium blood-stage infection. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.
Mahmoud’s background is in hematology and transfusion medicine. Using forward and reverse genetics tools, rare blood group phenotypes and naturally occurring polymorphisms, he currently focuses on elucidating interactions between different red blood cell receptors for Plasmodium invasion and identifying novel host-parasite interactions. Besides his love for medical sciences, Mahmoud is also passionate about architecture and interior design. He enjoys traveling and exploring new places.
Allan works towards defining the molecular and evolutionary steps towards the adaptation of P. falciparum from primate to human red blood cells, within the human population.
Basil is investigating signaling pathways that regulate parasite egress.
Graduate Students
Frank is a graduate student in the Biological Sciences in Public Health PhD program and a candidate in the Therapeutics Graduate program at HMS. He is interested in exploring Plasmodium epigenetic factors as targets for antimalarial drugs. Outside the lab, Frank is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and community engagements. He also loves playing soccer, spending time with his family, and cooking Ghanaian meals.
Samrawit is working on identifying host receptors for Plasmodium vivax invasion