How the malaria parasite’s mitochondria help it survive
Essential functions of the mitochondrion in malaria parasites
Researchers are studying the parasite's mitochondria to find new medicines that could prevent and treat P. falciparum malaria and stop it spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173706 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses new genetic tools in the lab to study the malaria parasite’s mitochondrion, the cell part that powers the parasite at all stages of infection. Scientists will modify parasite genes in cultured P. falciparum and follow effects across blood, liver, and mosquito stages to find proteins that are essential for survival or transmission. They will test how those mitochondrial components interact with drugs (including ones like atovaquone) and whether blocking them can kill parasites or stop spread. The goal is to expand the set of parasite-specific targets that drug developers could use to make preventive, curative, or transmission-blocking treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this lab project does not enroll patients now, future clinical testing would target people infected with or at risk for P. falciparum malaria, especially in endemic regions.
Not a fit: People without exposure to P. falciparum or those with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new antimalarial drugs that work against resistant P. falciparum and that prevent infection or block transmission.
How similar studies have performed: Existing drugs like atovaquone show that targeting the parasite mitochondrion can work, but many mitochondrial functions remain unexplored and this project seeks new, untested targets.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajaram, Krithika — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Rajaram, Krithika
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.