Understanding how malaria parasites regulate their mitochondrial genes
Official title: MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF MALARIA MITOCHONDRIAL GENE REGULATION
Funded at Idaho State University · NIH-11001940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the malaria parasite manages its genes to survive against treatments, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients get better and avoid drug resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Idaho State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pocatello, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $394,917 |
| NIH project number | 5DP2AI164244-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals infected with malaria, particularly those with drug-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with malaria or those who have strains that are not resistant to current treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, controls the expression of its mitochondrial genes. By using advanced techniques like whole genome sequencing and metabolic profiling, the study aims to uncover how these regulatory processes contribute to the parasite's ability to resist drug treatments. The findings could lead to the identification of new drug targets that are less likely to mutate and develop resistance, ultimately improving treatment options for malaria. Patients may benefit from new therapies developed based on this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new malaria treatments that are more effective against drug-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting mitochondrial functions in parasites, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in malaria treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Idaho State University
Pocatello, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lane, Kristin D — Idaho State University
- Study coordinator: Lane, Kristin 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.