Understanding how oxygen levels affect malaria parasite growth
Official title: Investigating the role of oxygen on Plasmodium multiplication rate
Funded at Wake Forest University · NIH-10738786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different levels of oxygen in the body affect the growth of malaria parasites, which could help us understand why some treatments don’t work and lead to better ways to fight malaria, especially in tough cases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | November 10, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $181,321 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI169279-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10738786 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with malaria, particularly those infected with P. falciparum or P. knowlesi.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have malaria or are infected with other non-Plasmodium species will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how varying oxygen concentrations in different body tissues influence the growth rate of malaria-causing parasites, specifically Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium knowlesi. By examining the effects of oxygen levels on the parasites' cellular processes, the study aims to uncover insights into drug resistance mechanisms and the overall biology of these pathogens. The research utilizes in vitro experiments to simulate different oxygen environments, allowing for a detailed analysis of how these conditions impact parasite replication and mitochondrial activity. The findings could lead to improved strategies for treating malaria, particularly in drug-resistant cases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of malaria treatment and lead to more effective therapies against drug-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on oxygen levels in relation to Plasmodium growth is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding drug resistance through various environmental factors.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cordy, Regina J — Wake Forest University
- Study coordinator: Cordy, Regina J
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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.