How malaria parasites resist common antimalarial medicines
The Function of Antimalarial Drug Resistance Proteins
Researchers are looking at changes in a parasite protein that make common antimalarial drugs less effective for people with Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222700 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a parasite protein called PfCRT that can change when malaria parasites become less sensitive to drugs such as chloroquine and key partner drugs used with artemisinin. Scientists will compare many different PfCRT protein versions using protein chemistry, genetic editing of parasites, transporter physiology experiments, and structural biology to see how specific mutations alter drug binding and transport. Lab teams will test how these mutations change responses to drugs like piperaquine, amodiaquine, and lumefantrine, and will map which mutations cause resistance and which do not. The work pulls together expertise from multiple university labs to make a comprehensive picture of evolving drug resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria in regions where drug resistance is a concern, or those who can provide parasite samples, would be the most relevant candidates for related participation.
Not a fit: People without P. falciparum malaria or those seeking immediate clinical treatment today are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians choose more effective treatments and inform surveillance that detects resistant malaria sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown some PfCRT mutations clearly cause chloroquine resistance and alter responses to partner drugs, but many recently discovered PfCRT variants remain untested.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- Georgetown University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roepe, Paul D. — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Roepe, Paul D.
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.