Understanding how malaria parasites evolve drug resistance through genetic crosses
Official title: Harnessing the Power of Experimental Genetic Crosses to Probe Drug Resistance in Malaria
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11355521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how malaria parasites acquire resistance to drugs by crossing parasite strains and mapping the genes involved, with the goal of staying ahead of resistant malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2017 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,456,874 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AI127338-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients in malaria-endemic regions who may be affected by drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum infections.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not exposed to malaria or not involved in drug-resistance research would not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses genetic crosses of Plasmodium falciparum and advanced sequencing methods to identify genetic factors that drive drug resistance. Researchers have developed a workflow that produces many parasite progeny and applies bulk segregant analysis to pinpoint resistance genes. The work builds on prior crosses using humanized mouse models with human red blood cells to better reflect human infection. Findings like the pfaat1 and pfcrt interaction illuminate how resistance evolves and how fitness costs can shape spread. The program supports a large, multi-year effort to map and prioritize genes that determine resistance and parasite fitness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Advances in identifying drug-resistance genes could inform new treatments and strategies to prevent resistance from spreading.
How similar studies have gone: Previous crosses and sequencing approaches have successfully pinpointed resistance genes, guiding future therapeutic strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferdig, Michael T — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Ferdig, Michael T
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.