Understanding how artemisinin causes dormancy in malaria parasites
Official title: Elucidating mechanisms for artemisinin-induced dormancy in Plasmodium falciparum
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-10908714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the malaria parasite can go into hiding when treated with a common medicine called artemisinin, which is important for fighting malaria, and it aims to find out why this happens so we can create better treatments that work against drug-resistant strains of the parasite.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168803-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with malaria, particularly those who have experienced treatment failures with artemisinin-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have malaria or those who have not been treated with artemisinin will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum becomes dormant in response to artemisinin treatment, which is crucial for malaria control. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this dormancy, which can lead to treatment failures and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. By utilizing advanced techniques such as CRISPR, researchers will explore the genetic factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The findings could help develop more effective treatments for malaria by addressing the issue of drug resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved malaria treatments that are more effective against drug-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance in malaria can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kyle, Dennis E — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Kyle, Dennis E
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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.