Understanding how malaria parasites develop drug resistance
Official title: Defining the resistome in P. falciparum: evolution and mechanism
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10974023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain genes in malaria parasites make them resistant to treatments, so we can find better ways to fight the disease and help patients get more effective care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | November 2, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,123,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI169892-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974023 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with malaria infections, particularly those who have experienced treatment failures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have malaria or are not affected by drug-resistant strains of the parasite may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that contribute to drug resistance in malaria parasites, specifically focusing on the Plasmodium falciparum species. By using advanced laboratory techniques, including adaptive laboratory evolution and whole-genome sequencing, the team aims to identify the genes and alleles responsible for resistance. The goal is to better predict when and how drug resistance occurs, which could lead to the development of more effective antimalarial treatments. Patients may benefit from improved therapies that are less likely to fail due to resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective antimalarial drugs that overcome resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding drug resistance mechanisms in other pathogens, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for malaria as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winzeler, Elizabeth a — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Winzeler, Elizabeth a
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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.