Stopping drug-resistant malaria by targeting parasite proteins
Hijacking Plasmodium ubiquitin-proteasome system to defeat drug resistance
This project aims to develop new treatments for malaria by targeting how the malaria parasite processes its proteins, especially for forms of the disease that are resistant to current medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127699 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Malaria remains a serious global health issue, especially for young children, with parasites becoming resistant to many existing drugs. This project focuses on a new approach to fight drug-resistant malaria by creating special hybrid drugs called artezomibs. These artezomibs combine an existing antimalarial drug with a new type of inhibitor that targets the parasite's protein recycling system. By disrupting this vital process within the parasite, these new drugs aim to overcome resistance and more effectively kill the malaria parasite.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with malaria, particularly those infected with drug-resistant strains of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
Not a fit: Patients without malaria or those whose infections respond well to existing treatments may not directly benefit from this specific drug development effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for drug-resistant malaria, potentially saving lives, especially in young children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that inhibitors targeting the parasite's protein recycling system can kill malaria parasites and work well with existing drugs, suggesting promise for this new hybrid approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Gang — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Lin, Gang
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.