Structure and function of the Plasmodium glideosome motor
Official title: Structure and function of the Plasmodium myosin XIV-actin glideosome.
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11412418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the malaria parasite moves inside humans to identify new ways to stop infection, with potential benefits for children under 5.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | May 11, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $661,630 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI132378-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals in malaria-endemic regions or samples derived from such settings, particularly children under 5 who bear the highest burden.
✕Less likely to help
There may be no direct benefit to healthy individuals or those not affected by malaria in the study’s focus.
What this research studies
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites that rely on a motor called the actomyosin glideosome to move and invade red blood cells. This project characterizes the PfMyoA motor protein and how phosphorylation affects its function, aiming to find new drug targets. By understanding how the parasite powers its movement, scientists hope to develop strategies that complement vaccines and reduce disease burden. The work involves detailed molecular studies that could translate into therapies to block parasite invasion and spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets for malaria drugs that disrupt parasite movement and invasion, potentially reducing illness and deaths in endemic areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has demonstrated that targeting parasite motility can impair invasion and disease progression, supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trybus, Kathleen M — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Trybus, Kathleen M
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.