Bruno Martorelli Di Genova, PhD

Assistant Professor

MMG Undergraduate Advisor

Host-Parasite Interaction and Drug Development

+18026564229

320 Stafford Hall
95 Carrigan Drive
Burlington, VT 05405
United States

Affiliated Department(s)

Dept of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Doctoral Studies: Received a Ph.D. in Brazil from the Paulista Medical School (EPM), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), where research focused on the cellular biology of Giardia lamblia.
Postdoctoral Research: Investigated Toxoplasma gondii–host interactions at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with Dr. Knoll.
Current Position: Joined the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics in 2021, advancing research on eukaryotic pathogens.

Research Interests
Focus on Eukaryotic Pathogens: Investigate the biology of parasites and their interactions with the host, with an emphasis on brain immunology and the mechanisms underlying chronic infections.
Key Organism—Toxoplasma gondii: Study a globally prevalent parasite that infects one-third of the human population, posing severe risks in immunocompromised patients. Despite its widespread impact, no treatment specifically targets its chronic stages, including those in the central nervous system.
Metabolic Requirements & Environmental Triggers: Aim to identify the factors that drive establishment and persistence of chronic T. gondii infection, focusing on how the parasite adapts within host tissues.
Methodological Approaches: Employ imaging, OMICS, and other advanced techniques to delineate both parasite biology and host responses, thereby clarifying new therapeutic targets.
Long-Term Goals: Advance fundamental knowledge of parasite–host interactions and develop improved strategies for treatment and management of chronic parasitic infections.

Bio

Doctoral Studies: Received a Ph.D. in Brazil from the Paulista Medical School (EPM), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), where research focused on the cellular biology of Giardia lamblia.
Postdoctoral Research: Investigated Toxoplasma gondii–host interactions at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with Dr. Knoll.
Current Position: Joined the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics in 2021, advancing research on eukaryotic pathogens.

Research Interests
Focus on Eukaryotic Pathogens: Investigate the biology of parasites and their interactions with the host, with an emphasis on brain immunology and the mechanisms underlying chronic infections.
Key Organism—Toxoplasma gondii: Study a globally prevalent parasite that infects one-third of the human population, posing severe risks in immunocompromised patients. Despite its widespread impact, no treatment specifically targets its chronic stages, including those in the central nervous system.
Metabolic Requirements & Environmental Triggers: Aim to identify the factors that drive establishment and persistence of chronic T. gondii infection, focusing on how the parasite adapts within host tissues.
Methodological Approaches: Employ imaging, OMICS, and other advanced techniques to delineate both parasite biology and host responses, thereby clarifying new therapeutic targets.
Long-Term Goals: Advance fundamental knowledge of parasite–host interactions and develop improved strategies for treatment and management of chronic parasitic infections.

Sample: mouse brain chronically infected with T. gondii. (Red: T. gondii cyst; green: immune cells; blue: DAPI)