Understanding the internal clocks of malaria parasites
Official title: Defining and Exploiting the Circadian Clocks in Malaria Parasites
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10687634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how malaria parasites have their own internal clocks that affect the fevers you experience when you're sick, and by understanding this better, we hope to find new ways to treat malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,399,125 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2GM154010-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with malaria or those at high risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-parasitic infections or those who do not have malaria will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the circadian rhythms of malaria parasites and how these rhythms contribute to the disease's characteristic fevers. By exploring the intrinsic clocks of the parasites, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that drive their replication and the resulting symptoms in infected individuals. The approach involves examining how these rhythms operate independently of the host's circadian system, potentially leading to new insights into malaria pathogenesis. Patients may benefit from a deeper understanding of how malaria operates, which could inform future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that target the malaria parasite's internal clock, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding circadian rhythms in various pathogens, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into malaria as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rijo-Ferreira, Filipa — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Rijo-Ferreira, Filipa
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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.