Investigating how ASIC1a activation affects brain injury and survival in children with cerebral malaria
Official title: Role of ASIC1a activation in ECM associated brain injury and mortality
Funded at Morehouse School of Medicine · NIH-11139787 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain receptor called ASIC1a affects children with cerebral malaria, a serious form of malaria that can harm the brain, and aims to find ways to block its harmful effects to help improve treatment for these kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morehouse School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $213,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185572-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139787 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 10 years old who are diagnosed with cerebral malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 10 years or those who do not have cerebral malaria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of ASIC1a, a specific receptor in the brain, in the context of cerebral malaria, a severe complication of malaria that can lead to brain injury and death, particularly in children under 10 years old. The study aims to explore how activation of this receptor contributes to brain damage and the overall mortality associated with cerebral malaria. By identifying potential therapeutic agents that can block the harmful effects of this receptor, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for affected children. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and potential clinical applications to mitigate the impact of malaria-induced brain injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce brain injury and improve survival rates in children suffering from cerebral malaria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for treating brain injuries associated with other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiong, Zhigang — Morehouse School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Xiong, Zhigang
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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.