Genetics Breakthrough in Malaria Research

Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes, which transfer the disease through the parasite Plasmodium. Despite the efforts of research today, malaria is still very much a global major cause of death. Research conducted by Volker Heussler and Oliver Billker involves a genome-wide gene deletion study on the parasites, specifically by removing individual genes of the parasites and observing its effects over their life cycle. In this way, they are hoping to find new areas to target in the parasite that could possibly lead to a cure for the disease. Researchers used a malaria mouse model at the University of Bern and replaced the parasite genes with a different genetic code, analyzing the effect of this action. After three years, the researchers were able to screen the “genome of the parasite in all life cycle stages.” This achievement opened grounds for discovering suitable targets to control the pathogen through efficient drugs and vaccines against its various life stages.

To read the full article by University of Bern published in Sci Tech Daily, click here