Understanding how a malaria parasite modifies and transports proteins
Official title: Protein glycosylation and trafficking in Plasmodium falciparum
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11109579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the malaria parasite changes and moves proteins inside its cells, which helps it survive in our blood, and understanding this could help find new ways to treat malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $686,914 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179950-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109579 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions or those who have been diagnosed with malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by malaria or live in non-endemic regions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique ways the malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, modifies and transports proteins within its cells. Unlike other eukaryotic organisms, this parasite does not seem to use traditional glycosylation methods, which are crucial for protein function and location in most cells. By examining these processes, the research aims to uncover how the parasite survives and proliferates within human red blood cells. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for malaria treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel anti-malarial treatments that target the unique protein trafficking mechanisms of the parasite.
How similar studies have gone: While research on protein glycosylation in other organisms has shown success, the specific mechanisms in Plasmodium falciparum remain largely untested and novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muralidharan, Vasant — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Muralidharan, Vasant
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.