Understanding how malaria parasites invade and exit red blood cells
Official title: Exocytosis of Plasmodium egress and invasion organelles
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-10888455 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the malaria parasite gets into and out of our red blood cells, focusing on the role of calcium signals in this process, which could help find new ways to fight malaria for everyone affected by it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $540,193 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI173133-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888455 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions who are at risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in malaria-endemic areas or those who are not at risk of malaria infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process by which the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum invades and exits human red blood cells, which is crucial for its lifecycle and the symptoms of malaria. The researchers focus on the role of calcium signals in triggering the release of specialized vesicles that facilitate this process. By identifying proteins involved in this exocytosis, the study aims to uncover how these proteins respond to different calcium signals during the parasite's invasion and egress. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for targeting malaria at its source.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antimalarial treatments that disrupt the lifecycle of the malaria parasite.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting similar mechanisms in other infectious diseases, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in malaria treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muralidharan, Vasant — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Muralidharan, Vasant
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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.