News Release

GW researcher receives $2.6 million grant to study treatment for malaria and tuberculosis

Five-year grant will study enzyme inhibitors as possible medications for devastating diseases

Grant and Award Announcement

George Washington University

WASHINGTON (Feb. 29, 2016)--Cynthia Dowd, a chemistry professor at the George Washington University, is studying a promising possible treatment for malaria and tuberculosis with a five-year, $2.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She will lead a team of researchers at five institutions.

The research focuses on identifying enzyme inhibitors (molecules that stop a specific biochemical reaction) to fight the pathogens that cause malaria and tuberculosis. The enzyme, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), is responsible for a chemical reaction necessary for malaria parasites and tuberculosis bacteria to survive. The inhibitors are designed to stop DXR, thus killing the pathogens.

"Drug resistance is so rampant that we need to design new ways to treat these diseases. This is one way to keep the issue in the spotlight," said Dr. Dowd. "The fact that the NIH is putting funds into this research on infectious diseases is very significant."

Dr. Dowd is collaborating with four labs. Her lab at GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) will perform the small molecule design and chemical synthesis; an NIH lab will run tuberculosis testing; Washington University in St. Louis will conduct the malaria testing; George Mason University will study enzymes from different pathogens; and Saint Louis University will examine the fates of the molecules in animals.

"Dr. Dowd's research is an important example of how we can work across disciplines and institutions to find solutions that will help improve public health on a global scale," said Ben Vinson III, dean of CCAS. "We applaud researchers like her who see the value of collaboration across institutions, sharing resources and brain power to better the world."

The research is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the NIH, through grant 1R01AI123433.

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The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

Established in 1821 in the heart of the nation's capital, the George Washington University Columbian College of Arts and Sciences is the largest of GW's academic units. It encompasses the School of Media and Public Affairs, the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration and more than 40 departments and programs for undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. The Columbian College provides the foundation for GW's commitment to the liberal arts and a broad education for all students. An internationally recognized faculty and active partnerships with prestigious research institutions place Columbian College at the forefront in advancing policy, enhancing culture and transforming lives through research and discovery.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Emily Grebenstein: emgreb@gwu.edu, 202-994-3087
Kurie Fitzgerald: kfitzgerald@gwu.edu, 202-994-6461


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