Why malaria parasites resist drugs that target the MEP pathway
MEP pathway resistance in Plasmodium falciparum
Researchers are looking at how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum changes to survive drugs aimed at the MEP pathway so better treatments can be developed for people with severe malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301873 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This lab-focused work uses genetic screening of malaria parasites to find mutations that let them survive drugs targeting the MEP pathway. Scientists have already found a family of parasite enzymes called HADs that seem to change drug sensitivity and will study how loss of these HAD phosphatases causes resistance. The team will map the roles of HAD proteins in parasite growth and use a new MEP pathway inhibitor to find other resistance mechanisms. Findings are meant to guide future drug design and help prevent resistant malaria from spreading.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is laboratory research that does not enroll patients, people with Plasmodium falciparum malaria would be the patient group most likely to benefit from future therapies or to contribute biological samples in related clinical studies.
Not a fit: Patients with other infections or malaria caused by different species (for example P. vivax), and those needing immediate clinical care, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to new antimalarial drugs or strategies to prevent or overcome resistance, improving treatment options for people with severe malaria.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory work has previously identified MEP pathway inhibitors and some resistance mechanisms (for example with fosmidomycin), but the involvement of HAD proteins in resistance is a more recent discovery.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Odom John, Audrey Ragan — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Odom John, Audrey Ragan
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.