Understanding how malaria parasites use a specific nutrient for survival
Official title: Cofactor metabolism and mitochondrial function in malaria parasites
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10910015 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how malaria parasites get and use a nutrient called lipoate while they grow in red blood cells, which could help us find new ways to treat malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $748,716 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168183-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910015 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions who may be at risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in malaria-endemic areas or those who have already been treated for malaria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how malaria parasites, specifically Plasmodium falciparum, utilize a vital nutrient called lipoate during their development in red blood cells. The study focuses on the mechanisms by which these parasites acquire lipoate from their human hosts and how it is used in their mitochondria. By employing biochemical, cell biology, and genetic techniques, the researchers aim to uncover the essential roles of lipoate-dependent proteins and the processes involved in lipoate uptake. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for targeting the parasites and improving treatment options for malaria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments for malaria by targeting the nutrient acquisition mechanisms of the parasites.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting nutrient acquisition in parasites, indicating that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prigge, Sean Taylor — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Prigge, Sean Taylor
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia to improve outbreak detection
A collaboration to add a malaria-specific digital module to an existing surveillance system in Africa to help detect and respond to outbreaks faster.
-
Cross-sector partnership uses digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia
A US-based team will adapt and test a digital malaria surveillance module in SORMAS to help detect and respond to malaria outbreaks in Ethiopia.
-
Malaria control project in Western Kenya to reduce illness and deaths
A large, multi-year effort in western Kenya will help track malaria spread and test ways to prevent transmission so fewer people get sick or die.
-
Optimizing tafenoquine dose to prevent relapse of vivax malaria in Asia
A study tests the best tafenoquine dose to prevent P. vivax malaria relapse in people in East Asia and Oceania.
-
Optimizing tafenoquine dose to prevent P. vivax malaria relapses in Asia
A study to find the best single-dose tafenoquine amount to prevent relapse of P. vivax malaria in people in East Asia and Oceania.
-
Severe malaria and brain risk in children
This grant studies how severe malaria in young children can affect brain development and long-term thinking and behavior, with a focus on kids in Uganda.
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.