Understanding how malaria parasites divide and replicate
Official title: Functional characterization of striated fiber assemblins in malaria parasites
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10911222 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how malaria parasites grow inside our red blood cells and focuses on certain proteins that help them divide, with the hope of finding better ways to treat malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $221,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176570-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911222 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 11, especially those who are at risk of or currently infected with malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who do not have malaria may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which malaria parasites, specifically Plasmodium falciparum, replicate within human red blood cells. It focuses on a family of proteins called striated fiber assemblins that are believed to play a crucial role in the division of these parasites. By examining how these proteins function during the replication process, the research aims to uncover new insights that could lead to improved treatments for malaria. The study employs biochemical assays and genetic analysis to explore the essential nature of these proteins in the life cycle of the parasite.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating malaria, particularly in young children who are most vulnerable to the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on related parasites has shown success in understanding cell division mechanisms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for malaria as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dvorin, Jeffrey D — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dvorin, Jeffrey D
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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.