Genetic crosses to map malaria drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum
Official title: Experimental genetic crosses for malaria research
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11355528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using cross-breeding of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant malaria strains to identify genetic factors that drive resistance, with tests in a human-liver mouse model to replace chimpanzees.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2017 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $370,766 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AI127338-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not a patient-facing clinical trial; findings may ultimately benefit people with malaria by guiding drug development and resistance monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not described; results are focused on parasite genetics and animal models.
What this research studies
This project pairs different malaria parasite strains to produce recombinant offspring and then links their genetic makeup to drug resistance traits. It uses methods like quantitative trait loci mapping and bulk segregant analysis under drug pressure. To generate progeny, the study relies on a human-liver chimeric FRG NOD huHep mouse model to replace the former chimpanzee approach, with careful control of human hepatocyte repopulation using a drug. The work is conducted at the University of Notre Dame under the guidance of Ashley M. Vaughan, aiming to uncover genetic drivers of resistance that could guide future therapies and diagnostics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify genetic targets to inform new treatments or diagnostic approaches for malaria.
How similar studies have gone: The approach builds on prior use of genetic crosses and advanced models to study P. falciparum, with ongoing progression toward actionable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vaughan, Ashley M — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Vaughan, Ashley M
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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.