Research
Uncovering Molecular and Morphological Signatures of Host–Parasite Interaction through Integrative Transcriptomic and Image Profiling of Schistosoma-Infected Paediatric Patients in Ogun State
Research Objective
The ultimate goal is to identify biomarkers and molecular pathways associated with disease severity, immune modulation, and host adaptation — contributing to more precise diagnosis, therapeutic targeting, and control strategies.
Specific objectives included:
To characterize gene expression profiles of schistosomiasis-infected paediatric patients using RNA-Seq and transcriptomic datasets.
To conduct comparative image profiling from microscopy data to assess morphological changes in infected tissues and parasite structures.
To integrate multi-omics data (gene expression and image-based features) to identify molecular signatures that define host–parasite interaction dynamics.
To establish potential biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of schistosomiasis progression in children.
Methodology and Workflow
1. Sample Collection
- Recruitment of paediatric participants from schistosomiasis-endemic communities in Ogun State.
- Collection of blood and urine samples for laboratory analysis and RNA extraction.
2. Molecular & Transcriptomic Analysis
- RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and high-throughput sequencing for gene expression profiling.
- Differential gene expression analysis to identify immune and inflammatory response markers.
3. Microscopic Image Profiling
- High-resolution imaging of parasite eggs, tissue sections, and infected samples.
- Quantitative image analysis using Python-based image processing and machine learning to extract morphological patterns.
4. Data Integration & Computational Analysis
- Combining molecular and image-derived features using bioinformatics pipelines and network modeling.
- Correlating transcriptomic data with clinical outcomes and morphological metrics.
Expected Outcomes
A comprehensive dataset linking host transcriptomic responses to morphological parasite features.
Identification of novel biomarkers for disease monitoring and vaccine research.
Peer-reviewed publication(s) and contributions to schistosomiasis molecular databases.
Enhanced research capacity for molecular parasitology and computational genomics in Nigeria
Significance of the Study
This project provides one of the first integrative frameworks for understanding host–parasite molecular crosstalk in human schistosomiasis at the paediatric level in Nigeria.
By merging multi-omics data with image-based phenotyping, the study seeks to:
Reveal molecular signatures of infection intensity and immune modulation,
Enable precision diagnosis and risk stratification, and
Contribute to evidence-based disease control programs aligned with WHO’s roadmap for neglected tropical diseases.
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My Footprints
A passionate researcher-in-training, he focuses on host–pathogen genomics, evolution, and immunobiology.
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