Genomic and Genetic Approaches to Studying Antimalarial Drug Resistance and Plasmodium Biology

Trends Parasitol. 2021 Jun;37(6):476-492. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.02.007. Epub 2021 Mar 11.

Abstract

Recent progress in genomics and molecular genetics has empowered novel approaches to study gene functions in disease-causing pathogens. In the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the application of genome-based analyses, site-directed genome editing, and genetic systems that allow for temporal and quantitative regulation of gene and protein expression have been invaluable in defining the genetic basis of antimalarial resistance and elucidating candidate targets to accelerate drug discovery efforts. Using examples from recent studies, we review applications of some of these approaches in advancing our understanding of Plasmodium biology and illustrate their contributions and limitations in characterizing parasite genomic loci associated with antimalarial drug responses.

Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum malaria; drug resistance; gene editing; genetic crosses; genomics; inducible expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antimalarials / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance / genetics*
  • Genome, Protozoan / genetics*
  • Genomics*
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
  • Molecular Biology*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics
  • Plasmodium falciparum / physiology*

Substances

  • Antimalarials