How malaria parasites become resistant to multiple drugs
Defining the Role of PfCRT and PfMDR1 as Pleiotropic Mediators of Plasmodium falciparum Multidrug Resistance
['FUNDING_R37'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11260175
This project looks at how changes in two parasite proteins (PfCRT and PfMDR1) let Plasmodium falciparum survive common antimalarial medicines, to help people with malaria get safer, more effective treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11260175 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying two parasite proteins that help malaria survive drugs and are mapping the different versions of those proteins found around the world. They use laboratory experiments on parasite samples and genetic analyses to see which mutations let the parasite pump drugs out or otherwise escape treatment. The team is comparing strains from Africa and Southeast Asia to see whether the same resistance mechanisms are present in different regions. Their work also measures how resistance mutations affect parasite fitness, which helps predict how likely resistant strains are to spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people (often adults) in malaria-endemic areas who can provide parasite samples or otherwise help researchers map resistance, especially from Africa and Southeast Asia.
Not a fit: People without Plasmodium falciparum malaria or those with other non-falciparum malaria types are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide which antimalarial drugs remain effective and inform treatment guidelines and surveillance to protect patients from resistant infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has already shown that PfCRT mutations cause chloroquine and piperaquine resistance, so this project builds on proven findings while extending them to new regions and drug partners.
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.