How malaria parasites use the nutrient lipoate to power their mitochondria
Cofactor metabolism and mitochondrial function in malaria parasites
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11139405
This project finds out how malaria parasites take up and use the nutrient lipoate so new treatments for people with malaria can be developed.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11139405 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers grow Plasmodium falciparum parasites in red blood cells and use biochemical, cell biology, and genetic techniques to study how the parasite gains and uses lipoate. They will define which mitochondrial proteins depend on lipoate and identify the parasite factors required to support those activities. The team will also examine how lipoate is taken up and attached to mitochondrial proteins and whether redox conditions control this process. The work aims to map the lipoate attachment pathway and reveal vulnerable steps that could be targeted by new drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients now, but findings could lead to future clinical trials involving people with Plasmodium falciparum malaria or those at high risk.
Not a fit: People without malaria or those infected with non-falciparum malaria species are unlikely to see direct benefits in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal drug targets that block parasites from using lipoate and stop their growth in the blood.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown lipoate metabolism is essential for malaria parasites, but converting that knowledge into effective medicines has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PRIGGE, SEAN TAYLOR — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PRIGGE, SEAN TAYLOR
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.