Research in my laboratory focuses on the study of signal transduction pathways in trypanosomes, flagellated protozoan parasites that belong to the Kinetoplastida order. Integrating cellular, biochemical and genetic approaches the Lander lab investigates the mechanisms by which Trypanosoma cruzi —the etiologic agent of Chagas disease— senses microenvironmental changes and triggers specific cellular responses that lead to differentiation among the main stages of the parasite’s life cycle.