Tracking gene expression in the malaria parasite

POINTILLISM OR A PARASITE? SEURAT WOULD BE PROUD OF THIS SINGLE CELL DATA. (ANDREW RUSSELL)

For as common as it is, malaria remains poorly understood at the molecular level. Now, researchers have published a gene expression database for the parasite that causes the disease. Importantly, they found a group of genes that is active throughout the parasite’s life cycle, indicating potential targets for therapeutic development. To build the Malaria Cell Atlas, researchers sequenced genetic material from thousands of parasites and infected cells, including those from people, and tracked gene expression as the parasite matured.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization this morning reiterated its call for more research into new tools to prevent and treat malaria. Less than 1% of heath R&D investment goes to malaria, the agency said. It kills nearly half a million people each year.