Understanding the parasite channel that praziquantel targets
Resolving the properties of schistosome TRPMPZQ, the target of the anthelmintic drug praziquantel
Researchers are figuring out how the parasite protein that praziquantel hits works to help people affected by schistosomiasis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258849 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have schistosomiasis, this work focuses on a parasite protein called TRPMPZQ that praziquantel acts on, and researchers are studying how it works at a molecular level. They will compare the channel from different parasitic flatworms and run lab tests to see how genetic differences change drug sensitivity. The team will use parasite samples and lab models to test new molecules and identify genetic markers that could signal drug resistance. These steps aim to guide better treatments and surveillance in communities affected by the disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people in schistosomiasis-endemic areas who might donate parasite samples or participate in surveillance or sample-collection efforts.
Not a fit: People without infections from parasitic flatworms or those with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to improved antiparasitic drugs and tools to detect or prevent praziquantel resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work established praziquantel's clinical effectiveness and this team has already identified TRPMPZQ, but the detailed characterization and drug-development steps are relatively new and promising.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marchant, Jonathan S — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Marchant, Jonathan S
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 below.