Finding ways to limit malaria parasite growth in mosquitoes
Official title: How to starve a parasite: Manipulating CoA biosynthesis to control Plasmodium development in the mosquito
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11061217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help fight malaria by finding out how to lower a key nutrient in mosquitoes that the malaria parasites need to survive, which could lead to better ways to stop the spread of the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | April 14, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,676 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170506-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions, particularly those affected by mosquito-borne diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in malaria-endemic areas or those who are not affected by malaria will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to reduce the availability of a vital nutrient, pantothenate, in mosquitoes to control the development of malaria parasites. By increasing the activity of an enzyme called PanK in the mosquito, the researchers aim to convert more pantothenate into coenzyme A, which the malaria parasites need to survive. The study will involve screening various compounds to identify those that effectively reduce malaria infections in mosquitoes. This approach could lead to innovative strategies for controlling malaria transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce malaria transmission by limiting the growth of parasites in mosquito populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in parasites, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although it is still relatively novel in the context of malaria control.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riehle, Michael Allen — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Riehle, Michael Allen
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.