Understanding how non-coding RNAs affect gene regulation in malaria parasites
Official title: Deciphering the Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Gene Regulation
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11065394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain RNA molecules in the malaria parasite might help control its genes and development, which could lead to new ways to treat malaria and make it easier to fight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $791,864 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI188634-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065394 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 affected by Plasmodium falciparum infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in malaria-endemic areas or those who are not infected with malaria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the gene regulation and development of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. By utilizing advanced techniques like ChAR-seq and RADICL-seq, the study aims to uncover how these RNA molecules influence chromatin organization and epigenetic changes that affect the parasite's virulence and lifecycle. The findings could lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting these molecular factors to combat malaria more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for malaria, potentially reducing the disease's impact on affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation in malaria parasites, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Le Roch, Karine Gaelle — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Le Roch, Karine Gaelle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cellular programming by plant signaling in cancer and other diseases
Scientists are studying how plant cell signals control gene activity in the nucleus and mitochondria to understand faulty regulation that can occur in cancers and other disorders.
-
Caveolin-1 helps brain vessels stay healthy after juvenile concussion
A study in kids and young adults looks at how a protein called Caveolin-1 affects brain blood vessels after a mild concussion and whether targeting it could protect long-term brain health.
-
How tiny cell antennae control signals linked to birth defects and cancer
Researchers are looking for new proteins in cells' tiny antennae that control signals involved in certain birth defects and cancers to point toward future treatments.
-
New ways to make natural compounds that could fight cancer, Alzheimer's, and inflammation
A scientist team will make and test natural-looking molecules to see if they can block proteins linked to cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammatory conditions.
-
Promoting Coping Skills to Reduce Health Gaps in Teens and Young Adults
A study tests a shift-and-persist coping approach to help racial/ethnic minority teens and young adults handle stress and reduce risks for chronic disease.
-
Laser particle barcoding to track live cells and their omics in breast cancer
A new technique uses special laser-coded particles to follow individual breast cancer cells in real time while linking their live behavior to multi-omics data.
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.