Thailand
Harnessing Genetic Crosses to Understand Drug Resistant Malaria Parasites
Classical genetics using experimental crosses is a power approach to understand malaria parasite traits such as drug resistance that impact human health. A new technology that relies on ‘humanized’ mice that grow human livers has opened up this approach for malaria research. By isolating parasites from the blood of patients who failed drug treatment, we can make new crosses for the rapid identification of genetic loci and genes responsible for resistance. Funded through the NIH P01 mechanism, this collaboration strives to enhance the understanding of the genetic mechanisms of drug resistance and virulence prevalent in Southeast Asia countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
Research Focus
-
Computational Science
Computational science is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes advanced computing to understand and solve complex problems. Researchers at the EIGH develop computational models, hardware, software, data management, and more to tackle a variety of global health concerns.
-
Genetics and Genomics
One way to study certain diseases is through genetics - the study of heredity and the variation of individual inherited genes in an organism. At the EIGH, this means studying how organisms can inherit and spread certain diseases. Additionally, by analyzing the entire structure, function, and evolution of an organism's genes, researchers may identify ways to prevent a disease from genetically passing disease traits.
Who’s Involved
EIGH Faculty
Global Partners
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Washington, U.S.A.
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Thailand
- TexasBiomed, Texas, U.S.A.
University of Notre Dame Partnerships
- Center for Research Computing
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility
- ICeNSA
Additional Information
Media Coverage
Notre Dame researcher part of team showing that 'humanized' mice can be used to study malaria