Last Updated: 01/10/2025

Elucidation of the mechanism by which ferredoxin mutations in malaria parasites lead to drug resistance

Objectives

This study  aims to clarify the mechanism of artemisinin resistance by closely examining the changes in protein function caused by this ferredoxin mutation and its impact on the metabolic network of malaria parasites.

Principal Institution

Yamaguchi University, Japan

Principal Investigators / Focal Persons

Yoko Kimata-Ariga

Rationale and Abstract

In recent years, the emergence of strains resistant to artemisinin, a specific drug for malaria parasites, has become a major threat. It has been revealed that a mutation in the 97th amino acid (Asp to Tyr) of ferredoxin, an electron transfer protein possessed by malaria parasites, is strongly associated with this resistance. Elucidating the resistance mechanism will contribute to suppressing the emergence and spread of artemisinin-resistant parasites and advancing the eradication of malaria.

Date

Apr 2024 — Mar 2027

Total Project Funding

$30,900

Funding Details
Project Site

Japan

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