Drexel University · Microbiology & ImmunologyMalaria Metabolism and Drug Discovery Lab
Akhil B Vaidya · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. Akhil B Vaidya's lab at Drexel University focuses on understanding fundamental aspects of malaria parasites, particularly how they maintain sodium and lipid balance, and the roles of mitochondria in their survival. The research aims to uncover how these processes can be disrupted by new drugs to combat malaria, a disease that causes significant global health issues. By investigating the molecular pathways involved, the lab strives to identify new targets for antimalarial drug development.
malariasodium homeostasislipid transportmitochondriaantimalarial drugsPfATP4PfNCR1protein dephosphorylationmetabolic shutdowncholesterol dynamics
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate the relationship between cholesterol dynamics and its role in lipid transport in malaria parasites.
AIM 02Explore the significance of protein dephosphorylation following PfATP4 inhibition.
AIM 03Examine the causes of metabolic slowdown in malaria parasites after drug treatment.
AIM 04Derive structural information about PfATP4 and PfNCR1 to understand their roles as drug targets.
Skills the Lab Values
PCRcell culturebiochemical assaysgenetic manipulationmetabolomicselectrophoresismicroscopybioinformaticsprotein purificationcryogenic electron tomography
Output against the department
Publications164top 41% of dept.196th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations14ktop 28% of dept.135th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
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