How malaria parasites become resistant to artemisinin and quinine and finding drugs that still work
Defining the complex genetic basis of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin and quinine and identifying resistance-refractory therapeutics
Researchers are working to understand how malaria parasites develop resistance to artemisinin and quinine so future treatments keep working for people in affected regions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11377396 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses genetic crosses of Plasmodium falciparum and genome sequencing to find combinations of mutations that cause resistance to artemisinin and quinine. The team will use CRISPR/Cas9 to edit candidate genes such as mrp1 and arps10 into different parasite strains and then test how those changes affect drug sensitivity and parasite fitness in the lab. By comparing recombinant progeny and culture-adapted strains, they aim to identify genetic partnerships that let resistant parasites survive and spread. The laboratory work will also search for therapeutics that remain active against parasites carrying those resistance mutations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People in malaria-endemic areas—particularly in east Africa where artemisinin resistance is emerging—would be the primary patients affected and potential candidates for any future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients with non-falciparum malaria or those living in areas without drug-resistant malaria may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drugs or treatment strategies that stay effective against drug-resistant malaria, especially in regions facing rising treatment failures.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked k13 mutations to artemisinin resistance and validated some gene roles in the lab, but this project expands on that work by testing additional candidate genes and therapeutic options.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fidock, David a — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Fidock, David a
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 below.