Understanding how certain proteins in malaria parasites function
Official title: Chemical Biology Strategies to Resolve Plasmodium Heat Shock Protein Function
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11089307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain proteins in malaria-causing parasites to find new ways to treat the disease, especially since some strains are no longer responding to current medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $522,780 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173295-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089307 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 at high risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in malaria-endemic areas or those who are not at risk for malaria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria, aiming to uncover new drug targets by studying specific proteins critical to the parasite's lifecycle. The researchers will investigate the roles of heat shock proteins, which help the parasite survive under stress, particularly during its blood and liver stages. By developing small molecule probes, they hope to better understand how these proteins function and interact, which could lead to new treatments for malaria. This work is essential as some malaria strains have become resistant to existing medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new anti-malarial drugs that are effective against resistant strains of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar proteins in malaria parasites, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Derbyshire, Emily R — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Derbyshire, Emily R
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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.