Ellen Miranda Leffler

Evolutionary rate covariation across malaria parasite species enables inference of protein interactions

The paper uses evolutionary rate covariation across malaria parasite species to infer protein interactions and identify new functional candidates.

Sickle cell status skews malaria parasite genotype at infection

The paper shows that HbS carriers have parasites with Pfsa+ alleles, suggesting these alleles may reduce symptomatic malaria in HbS carriers.

Characterization of Blood Group Variants in an Omani Population by Comparison of Whole Genome Sequencing and Serology

This study uses whole genome sequencing and serology to characterize blood group variants in Omanis, identifying population-specific variants and highlighting the impact of population history on blood group variation.

Geographical variation drives adaptive equilibrium of the P. falciparum sickle-associated mutations

The paper investigates how geographical variation influences the adaptive evolution of Plasmodium falciparum mutations that counteract sickle cell trait protection.

Phylogenetics and genomic variation of two genetically distinct Hepatocystis clades isolated from shotgun sequencing of wild primate hosts

This paper identifies two genetically distinct Hepatocystis clades in wild primates using low coverage whole genome sequencing and describes candidate hypervariable loci potentially involved in immune evasion and host adaptation.

Large-scale genotyping and meta-analysis of PIEZO1 short tandem repeat alleles suggest a modest association with malaria susceptibility

The paper genotypes PIEZO1 STR alleles in malaria cases and controls, finding a modest protective effect of E756del against malaria.

Adaptive admixture at ACKR1 (the Duffy locus) may have shaped Plasmodium vivax prevalence in Oman

The paper investigates adaptive admixture at the Duffy locus in Oman, finding evidence of selection for Duffy null alleles linked to reduced P. vivax prevalence.

The protective effect of sickle cell haemoglobin against severe malaria depends on parasite genotype

The paper investigates the association between host sickle cell haemoglobin and parasite genetic variation in malaria severity, finding that parasite alleles linked to HbS show strong linkage disequilibrium and frequency covariation with HbS.

New insights into malaria susceptibility from the genomes of 17,000 individuals from Africa, Asia, and Oceania

This study identifies five genome-wide associations with severe malaria risk in 17,000 individuals from Africa, Asia, and Oceania, including a new variant linked to cerebral malaria.

Resistance to malaria through structural variation of red blood cell invasion receptors

The paper identifies a structural variant in GYPA and GYPB genes associated with reduced risk of severe malaria in sub-Saharan African populations.