How medicines that upset sodium and fat balance kill malaria parasites
Molecular pathways affected by drugs that disrupt Na+ and lipid homeostasis in malaria parasites
['FUNDING_R01'] · DREXEL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11247560
This project explains how medicines that change sodium and fat levels inside malaria parasites can kill the parasites, helping efforts to make better treatments for people with malaria.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DREXEL UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247560 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers grow Plasmodium falciparum parasites in the lab and expose them to drugs that target a parasite protein called PfATP4. They track rapid changes in sodium handling, cholesterol and other lipids in the parasite membrane, large shifts in parasite protein phosphorylation, and visible changes in parasite form. The team also studies how these drugs interact with another transporter, PfNCR1, and how altering red blood cell cholesterol can cause parasites to be expelled without breaking the host cell. These lab findings are meant to reveal how these drugs kill parasites and to guide development of new treatments that can work against resistant malaria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related clinical testing would be people with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria who may enroll in future trials of PfATP4-targeting drugs.
Not a fit: People without malaria, those infected with non-falciparum species, or patients with severe, complicated malaria are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new antimalarial drugs that kill parasites in a different way and help treat drug-resistant malaria.
How similar studies have performed: Some compounds targeting PfATP4 have already progressed into clinical trials, though the specific lipid and protein changes reported by this team are newly described.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- DREXEL UNIVERSITY — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VAIDYA, AKHIL B — DREXEL UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: VAIDYA, AKHIL B
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.