Malaria Research and Control

Decoding Ethiopia's unique and structurally divergent Plasmodium falciparum populations using genomics

The paper analyzes whole-genome sequencing data from Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Ethiopia and sub-Saharan Africa to characterize genetic diversity and resistance markers.

A single valine to leucine switch disrupts Plasmodium falciparum AP2-G DNA binding and reveals the role of GDV1 in ap2-g activation.

This study identifies a valine-to-leucine mutation in AP2-G that disrupts DNA binding and sexual differentiation in Plasmodium falciparum, revealing GDV1's role in ap2-g activation.

Rare variation in malaria parasites biases population-genetic inference

This paper shows that rare variation in malaria parasites causes biases in population-genetic statistics, revealing selection signals previously masked by these biases.

Mosquito Specie Composition and Pyrethroid Resistance Status in Daura, Maiadua and Sandamu LGAs, Katsina State

This study identifies dominant mosquito species and their pyrethroid resistance in three Nigerian local governments, finding widespread resistance and a common kdr mutation in Anopheles.

The essential function of the apical polar ring during the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum

This study identifies PfAPR1 as a critical component of the apical polar ring in Plasmodium falciparum, showing its essential role in parasite replication and invasion.

Selective Disruption of Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrial DNA via G-Quadruplex-Binding Ligand RHPS4 Provides a Novel Antimalarial Strategy

This study shows RHPS4, a G-quadruplex ligand, disrupts Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrial DNA and metabolism, offering a new antimalarial strategy by targeting mtDNA G4 structures.

Crystal structure and nanobodies against domain 3 of the malaria parasite fusogen Plasmodium falciparum HAP2

The paper identifies nanobodies targeting domain 3 of PfHAP2 and determines its crystal structure, providing structural insights for transmission-blocking interventions against malaria.

Deep behavioral phenotyping of pathogen infected mosquitoes reveals species-specific behavior changes enhancing transmission

This study uses deep learning to analyze mosquito behavior changes after infection, finding species-specific effects that could impact disease transmission.

Quantifying sporozoite inoculum dynamics with the SpitGrid reveals temporal decay and behavioral determinants of Plasmodium transmission

This study uses the SpitGrid platform to measure sporozoite inoculum dynamics in Plasmodium-infected mosquitoes, revealing temporal patterns and behavioral factors influencing transmission.

Precise regulation of gene expression through transcriptional repression is essential for Plasmodium asexual blood stage development

This study identifies PbAP2-TR as a transcriptional repressor essential for Plasmodium berghei asexual blood stage development by regulating gene expression during trophozoite stage.

Estimating mosquito bionomics parameters with a hierarchical Bayesian model

The paper estimates bionomic parameters of Anopheles mosquitoes using a hierarchical Bayesian model and quantifies vectorial capacity reduction from insecticide-treated nets.

Antimalarial Potential of Synthetic Geraniol and Nerol Analogs

This study identifies new acyclic monoterpene analogs with potent antiplasmodial activity and selectivity against P. falciparum in vitro, supported by favorable pharmacological properties.

Chemoselective Halogenation of Premarineosin A for Next-Generation Antimalarial Development

The paper reports chemoselective halogenation of Premarineosin A, yielding analogs with retained antiplasmodial activity against both sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains.

A system for functional studies of the major virulence factor of malaria parasites

The paper develops a system to study PfEMP1, a key malaria parasite virulence factor, by generating parasites expressing a single PfEMP1 variant and enabling genome edits to investigate its function.

Experimental evolution of Plasmodium yoelii in single and helminth-coinfected mice

This study investigates how Plasmodium yoelii adapts to single or coinfected host environments through experimental evolution, finding no difference in virulence between evolved lines but showing adaptation to environmental context.

Synergistic non-neutralizing plasma antibodies to PfRH5 drive potent malaria parasite growth inhibition

The paper identifies synergistic non-neutralizing antibodies against PfRH5 that enhance malaria parasite growth inhibition when combined with neutralizing antibodies.

Plasmodium falciparum aquaglyceroporin (PfAQP) orchestrates glycerol-dependent lipid metabolism, membrane biogenesis, metabolomic flux, parasite growth and stress adaptation

This study identifies PfAQP's role in glycerol-dependent lipid metabolism, membrane biogenesis, and stress adaptation in Plasmodium falciparum through knockdown and metabolomic analyses.

Deep learning analyses of DNA sequences resolve the retention of the Duffy-null resistance to Plasmodium vivax malaria in Africa

The paper uses deep learning to analyze DNA sequences and shows that the Duffy-null allele, protective against P. vivax, was retained in Africa due to selection pressures, with evidence of its spread linked to the Bantu expansion.

Metabolic reprogramming and gut microbiota ecology drive divergent Plasmodium vivax infection outcomes in Anopheles darlingi

The paper investigates how metabolic reprogramming and gut microbiota ecology in Anopheles darlingi influence Plasmodium vivax infection outcomes, identifying distinct physiological and microbial responses associated with resistance or susceptibility.

Characterisation of Two Plasmodium Virulence Factors Important for Lipid Metabolism and Disease Progression In Vivo

This study identifies two Plasmodium virulence factors involved in lipid metabolism and disease progression by analyzing their function in vivo.

Biliverdin Reductase Catalytic Activity Is Essential for Malaria Resistance

This study shows that BVRA's catalytic activity is essential for malaria resistance and identifies a bilirubin concentration threshold needed for protection.

Modulation of host signalling pathways reveal a major role for Wnt signalling in the maturation of Plasmodium falciparum liver schizonts

The paper identifies Wnt signaling as critical for Plasmodium falciparum liver schizont maturation by using a novel medium to maintain hepatocyte functionality and analyze host-parasite interactions.

Rapid detection of G6PD deficiency SNPs using a novel amplicon-based MinION Sequencing Assay

This paper develops a cost-effective MinION sequencing assay to detect G6PD deficiency SNPs in malaria-endemic regions, showing high reliability and concordance with Sanger sequencing.

Histone lactylation: a new epigenetic mark in the malaria parasite Plasmodium

The paper identifies histone lactylation as a new epigenetic mark in malaria parasites, showing its metabolic sensitivity and differential abundance between species.

Metabolomics reveals synergistic antimalarial drug pairing effects against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro

The paper uses metabolomics to show that antimalarial drug combinations have unique metabolic effects compared to individual drugs, supporting their use in treatment.

Single-cell multiomics reveals epigenetic rewiring of splenic memory B cells during murine malaria reinfection

The paper uses single-cell multiomics to study B cell changes in mice during malaria reinfection, finding shifts in memory B cell composition and epigenetic programs linked to rapid antibody production.

Integrative Transcriptomic and Machine Learning Approaches to decipher Mitochondrial Gene Regulation in severe Plasmodium vivax Malaria

This study uses transcriptomic profiling and machine learning to uncover regulatory complexity in mitochondrial gene expression in severe Plasmodium vivax malaria, highlighting the role of natural antisense transcripts.

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) as a sensing and adaptation mechanism: An evidence-based hypothesis on AP2 transcription factors in the malaria parasite

The paper proposes that PfAP2 transcription factors in Plasmodium falciparum use liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to sense environmental changes and regulate gene responses, suggesting LLPS as a therapeutic target.

Standing genetic variation underlies divergence of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits among cryptic species of the Anopheles gambiae complex

The paper analyzes genetic variation in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits across six cryptic Anopheles gambiae species to understand how pre-existing polymorphism influences insecticide susceptibility.

CD44 cross-linking promotes Plasmodium falciparum invasion

This study identifies CD44 as a host factor promoting Plasmodium falciparum invasion through cross-linking, which alters RBC membrane structure and enhances ligand-receptor interactions.