Chemical biology tools to study how Plasmodium heat shock proteins work
Official title: Chemical Biology Strategies to Resolve Plasmodium Heat Shock Protein Function
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11333746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are developing chemical probes to understand how key malaria proteins (PfHsp90 and PfHsp70-1) function, aiming to find new drug targets for malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $522,780 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173295-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with malaria or those in high-risk regions participating in future trials or studies related to new anti-malarial strategies.
✕Less likely to help
People not affected by malaria or without access to future targeting therapies may not directly benefit from this basic discovery work.
What this research studies
Malaria remains a global threat, and drug resistance makes new targets essential. This project will create domain-specific chemical probes to dissect how PfHsp90 and PfHsp70-1 control protein folding and signaling in the parasite. By studying the N-terminal ATPase domain and C-terminal regions, scientists hope to reveal vulnerabilities in Plasmodium protein homeostasis that could be targeted by future therapies. The work combines chemistry and biology to illuminate how these parasite proteins operate across blood and liver stages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to novel anti-malarial targets and help guide the development of new treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting chaperone proteins can disrupt parasite survival, supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Derbyshire, Emily R — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Derbyshire, Emily R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
Understanding how small heat shock proteins protect our cells
A study from the University of Washington explores how tiny chaperone proteins protect eye and other cells from damage, which could help prevent conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
-
A new approach to freeing HIV from brain cells and reducing brain inflammation
A patient-focused approach tests a strategy to flush out hidden HIV in the brain and protect brain health by reducing inflammation.
-
Shock patients: better, faster teamwork to find the cause
A team of clinicians works together to quickly identify the exact cause of a patient’s shock to guide the right treatment.
-
Multi-scale model to improve REBOA use in hemorrhagic shock
A researcher team is building a computer model to better predict how to use REBOA, a device that can control bleeding in the torso, so patients with severe trauma may survive.
-
Phospholipid nanoparticle fluid to replace blood volume and protect organs in severe bleeding
A new, bubble-free fluid made of tiny lipid particles is being developed to quickly restore blood volume and protect organs during severe bleeding when real blood isn’t available.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.