Finding new treatments for Chagas disease by targeting a specific enzyme.
Official title: Validation of Trypanosoma cruzi dihydroorotate dehydrogenase as a drug target for Chagas´disease.
Funded at University of Sao Paulo · NIH-10873353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new treatments for Chagas disease by focusing on a key enzyme that the parasite needs to survive, with the hope that this could lead to better options for people living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Sao Paulo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sao Paulo, Brazil) |
| Project start | July 21, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $130,928 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI160379-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Chagas disease, particularly those in the chronic phase.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute Chagas disease or those who do not have the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Chagas disease, which affects millions of people, particularly in Latin America, and currently lacks effective treatments for its chronic phase. The study aims to validate a specific enzyme, Trypanosoma cruzi dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (TcDHODH), as a target for new drug development. By employing a combination of computational chemistry, enzymology, structural biology, and medicinal chemistry, the researchers will explore potential drug compounds that can inhibit this enzyme, which is essential for the survival of the parasite causing Chagas disease. Patients may benefit from new, effective treatments that could emerge from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new and effective treatments for Chagas disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully targeted similar enzymes in other parasitic diseases, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, Brazil Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nonato, Maria Cristina — University of Sao Paulo
- Study coordinator: Nonato, Maria Cristina
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.