Understanding how malaria parasites resist treatment with artemisinin
Official title: Proteostasis in Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin resistance
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11010361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some malaria parasites don't respond to treatment with artemisinin, and it aims to find new ways to make these treatments work better for patients by exploring how certain genetic changes help the parasites survive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | January 11, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $747,604 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168315-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with malaria, especially those infected with Plasmodium falciparum and experiencing treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with malaria caused by other Plasmodium species or those who do not exhibit resistance to artemisinin may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind artemisinin resistance in malaria, particularly focusing on the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. By studying specific genetic mutations and the role of the proteasome, the research aims to identify how these factors contribute to the parasite's ability to survive treatment. The approach includes using genetically modified parasites to test the effectiveness of proteasome inhibitors in combination with existing antimalarial drugs. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for malaria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for malaria, particularly in cases where current therapies are ineffective.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting proteasome pathways to combat drug resistance in malaria, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ng, Caroline L — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ng, Caroline L
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.