How malaria parasites become resistant to drugs
Defining the resistome in P. falciparum: evolution and mechanism
Researchers will grow malaria parasites under drug pressure and read their genomes to find how resistance forms so future treatments work better for people with malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11229573 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project grows Plasmodium falciparum parasites in the lab under different antimalarial drugs to see which genetic changes let them survive. The team will use adaptive laboratory evolution and deep whole-genome sequencing to map mutation patterns and resistance-associated alleles. They will compare modern patient-derived parasite samples with older laboratory strains to understand how genetic background and current drug use shape resistance. By linking specific genes and alleles to drug survival, the work aims to guide better drug design and early detection of resistant parasites in communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with recent Plasmodium falciparum infection in malaria-endemic areas who can provide blood samples for parasite isolation.
Not a fit: People without P. falciparum infection (for example infections with other Plasmodium species) or those who need immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help create antimalarial drugs that remain effective longer and produce tests to detect emerging drug resistance sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory evolution and sequencing studies have successfully identified malaria resistance genes, and this project builds on those proven methods using newer field isolates.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winzeler, Elizabeth a — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Winzeler, Elizabeth 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.