Dr. Upinder Singh studies the molecular basis of pathogenesis of a medically important parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. The work is aimed at understanding the virulence determinants that E. histolytica utilizes in causing invasive colonic and hepatic disease. Using a combination of genetic and genomic approaches we are identifying novel mechanisms that the parasite has developed for invading the human host. Additionally, the lab studies the epidemiological trends of of amebic infection, with the goal of identifying a parasite molecular signature that correlates with invasive potential.