CRISPR Breakthrough in Hyderabad Targets Toxoplasmosis

SCIENCE

By Aniket Chakraborty May 10, 2025 Arrow

Toxoplasmosis causes miscarriages and deaths in both humans and livestock—hurting lives and economies.

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The World Health Organisation ranks it among the top 5 global food-borne infections of concern.

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Now, scientists in Hyderabad’s NIAB lab have used CRISPR to cripple this parasite’s ability to replicate.

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They targeted a protein called ‘TgCdc5’—vital for the parasite’s RNA splicing process.

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Without it, the parasite's genetic machinery collapses, halting its spread completely.

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In mice, these weakened parasites triggered a strong immune response and future protection.

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Researchers believe this discovery paves the way for a promising vaccine strategy.

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The study appears in Nature Communications and could revolutionize zoonotic disease control.

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India may be one step closer to stopping toxoplasmosis—starting with a breakthrough in Hyderabad.

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