Elucidation of the mechanism of spread of drug-resistant malaria parasites within malaria parasite populations

The artemisinin-resistant protozoa brought back from Uganda will be cultivated in Japan and used for research. As the established resistant protozoa strains are already based on resistance-responsible gene mutations, the researcher will use genome editing to create recombinant protozoa that have been reverted to the wild type. By comparing these with the parent strain before recombination in terms of artemisinin resistance, growth rate, and life cycle during the red blood cell infection stage, this study will verify the possibility that weakly resistant protozoa have traits that are more advantageous for spreading than strongly resistant protozoa.

Project details

Drug Resistance
Genetics and Genomics

Apr 2024 — Mar 2027

$30,043

Japan