Editorial Material
Biology
Colin Sutherland, Didier Menard
Summary: A tool that analyzes the genome of parasites in the blood of malaria patients can assist policymakers in making informed decisions on how to address the increase in drug-resistant infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevin K. Esoh, Tobias O. Apinjoh, Alfred Amambua-Ngwa, Steven G. Nyanjom, Emile R. Chimusa, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Ambroise Wonkam, Eric A. Achidi
Summary: Recent data indicate that the current genetic markers discovered can only explain a small portion of severe malaria heritability. The extensive genetic diversity among African populations suggests that significant associations may be found in Africa. In this study, a GWAS of Cameroonian participants was conducted and protective associations were identified in the CHST15 enhancer region and SOD2, highlighting the evolutionary genetics and fine-scale genetic structure within Cameroon under malaria pressure.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jui A. Shah
Summary: This commentary reviews the success factors for Thailand to achieve zero malaria, focusing on effective surveillance, and discusses other measures needed to reach the goal on time.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Romain Coppee, Justine Bailly, Veronique Sarrasin, Bertin Vianou, Boris-Enock Zinsou, Edith Mazars, Hugues Georges, Samia Hamane, Rose-Anne Lavergne, Eric Dannaoui, Betty Balikagala, Naoyuki Fukuda, Emmanuel Odongo-Aginya, Toshihiro Mita, Sandrine Houze, Jerome Clain
Summary: A returned traveler in Uganda was infected with a Plasmodium falciparum parasite with the kelch13 A675V mutant gene, which showed delayed clearance under treatment with artesunate. The parasites were genetically related to previously reported Ugandan artemisinin-resistant parasites. Adequate malaria prevention measures and clinical and genotypic surveillance are crucial for avoiding and tracking artemisinin resistance.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Wenn-Chyau Lee, Bruce Russell, Bernett Lee, Cindy S. Chu, Aung Pyae Phyo, Kanlaya Sriprawat, Yee-Ling Lau, Francois Nosten, Laurent Renia
Summary: Brief exposure to artesunate (AS) stimulates rosetting, with AS-resistant isolates forming more rosettes rapidly for protection. Deletions in genes associated with AS-mediated rosetting are significantly selected in the parasite population, along with the K13 mutations as a marker of ART resistance.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Benjamin R. Taft, Fumiaki Yokokawa, Tom Kirrane, Anne-Catherine Mata, Richard Huang, Nicole Blaquiere, Grace Waldron, Bin Zou, Oliver Simon, Subramanyam Vankadara, Wai Ling Chan, Mei Ding, Sandra Sim, Judith Straimer, Armand Guiguemde, Suresh B. Lakshminarayana, Jay Prakash Jain, Christophe Bodenreider, Christopher Thompson, Christian Lanshoeft, Wei Shu, Eric Fang, Jafri Qumber, Katherine Chan, Luying Pei, Yen-Liang Chen, Hanna Schulz, Jessie Lim, Siti Nurdiana Abas, Xiaoman Ang, Yugang Liu, Inigo Angulo-Barturen, Maria Belen Jimenez-Diaz, Francisco Javier Gamo, Benigno Crespo-Fernandez, Philip J. Rosenthal, Roland A. Cooper, Patrick Tumwebaze, Anna Caroline Campos Aguiar, Brice Campo, Simon Campbell, Jurgen Wagner, Thierry T. Diagana, Christopher Sarko
Summary: A highly potent antimalarial compound, INE963 (1), with favorable pharmacological properties, has been identified through high-throughput screening and shows potential for curing uncomplicated malaria.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiayun Chen, Peng Gao, Wei Xiao, Guangqing Cheng, Sanjeev Krishna, Jianyou Wang, Yin Kwan Wong, Chen Wang, Liwei Gu, Dong Hua Yang, Jigang Wang
Summary: In this study, we investigated the stage-specific mechanisms of partial resistance to artemisinin in Plasmodium falciparum carrying the Kelch13 C580Y mutation. Our findings revealed the activation and expression patterns of artemisinin targets varied at different stages and periods of parasite development, with the late trophozoite stage harboring the largest number of targets. We also identified 36 overlapping targets and demonstrated the artemisinin-insensitivity of fatty acid-associated activities in the resistant strain.
DRUG RESISTANCE UPDATES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Riward Campelo Morillo, Chantal T. Harris, Kit Kennedy, Samuel R. Henning, Bjorn F. C. Kafsack
Summary: We adapted a CUT&RUN protocol for profiling chromatin modifications in Plasmodium, a human malaria parasite. Using a step-by-step protocol, we obtained high-quality profiles of histone modifications with a small fraction of cells compared to ChIP-seq. The CUT&RUN profiling showed high reproducibility and closely matched ChIP-seq-based profiles of histone marks. Furthermore, CUT&RUN required lower sequencing coverage for accurate profiling compared to ChIP-seq.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Christopher M. Woodley, Patricia S. M. Amado, Maria L. S. Cristiano, Paul M. O'Neill
Summary: Recent research has highlighted the need for fully synthetic endoperoxide-based antimalarials due to the rise of resistance to artemisinin in Southeast Asia and the synthetic limitations of the artemisinin scaffold. Various synthetic endoperoxide antimalarials utilizing different endoperoxide warheads have been explored, with two classes - 1,2,4-trioxolanes and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes - showing promise and still actively being developed.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Navaporn Posayapisit, Jutharat Pengon, Philip J. Shaw, Chairat Uthaipibull, Darin Kongkasuriyachai, Aung Pyae Phyo, Francois Nosten, Yongyuth Yuthavong, Sumalee Kamchonwongpaisan
Summary: The effectiveness of antimalarial drug P218 against artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum is still uncertain, despite its efficacy against other drug-resistant parasites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Shiyou Zhu, Ying Liu, Zhuo Zhou, Zhiying Zhang, Xia Xiao, Zhiheng Liu, Ang Chen, Xiaojing Dong, Feng Tian, Shihua Chen, Yiyuan Xu, Chunhui Wang, Qiheng Li, Xuran Niu, Qian Pan, Shuo Du, Junyu Xiao, Jianwei Wang, Wensheng Wei
Summary: The outbreak of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to a global health crisis. Through genome-wide screening, novel host factors (LDLRAD3, TMEM30A, and CLEC4G) have been identified as functional receptors for SARS-CoV-2, playing critical roles in infection.
SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Manish Goyal, Karina Simantov, Ron Dzikowski
Summary: SR proteins play an important role in eukaryotic gene expression by regulating splicing events and acting as key regulators of RNA metabolism. Plasmodium parasites encode several SR proteins, which might have noncanonical functions in addition to splicing regulation.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jenni A. Hayward, F. Victor M. Makota, Daniela Cihalova, Rachel A. Leonard, Esther Rajendran, Soraya M. J. Zwahlen, Laura G. Shuttleworth, Ursula G. Wiedemann, Christina Spry, Kevin J. Saliba, Alexander G. Maier, Giel G. van Dooren
Summary: Apicomplexans, including the causative agents of malaria and toxoplasmosis, are widespread parasites that pose significant challenges for treatment. The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) has been identified as a potential drug target in these parasites. Using a Seahorse XFe96 flux analyzer, researchers identified six chemically diverse inhibitors of the apicomplexan ETC, at least four of which also targeted the ETC of Plasmodium falciparum. These findings provide new insights into potential treatment options for drug resistant parasites. Evaluation: 10/10.
Article
Immunology
Naoyuki Fukuda, Betty Balikagala, Tsuyoshi Ueno, Denis A. Anywar, Eisaku Kimura, Nirianne Marie Q. Palacpac, Emmanuel Odongo-Aginya, Martin Ogwang, Toshihiro Horii, Takashi Miida, Toshihiro Mita
Summary: The study found that mature Plasmodium falciparum parasites are rarely found in the peripheral blood because they are sequestered and attached to the endothelium. Intensive sequestration is associated with a delay in parasite clearance after artemisinin-based treatment. Sequestration plays an important role in the efficacy of artemisinin treatment for malaria.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Celia Miguel-Blanco, James M. Murithi, Ernest Diez Benavente, Fiona Angrisano, Katarzyna A. Sala, Donelly A. van Schalkwyk, Manu Vanaerschot, Frank Schwach, Matthew J. Fuchter, Oliver Billker, Colin J. Sutherland, Susana G. Campino, Taane G. Clark, Andrew M. Blagborough, David A. Fidock, Esperanza Herreros, Francisco Javier Gamo, Jake Baum, Michael J. Delves
Summary: New antimalarial therapeutics are urgently needed to combat emerging parasite and mosquito resistance. Intense drug screening efforts have identified promising new antimalarial molecules with novel modes of action to combat existing drug resistance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Neisha Sundaram, Tanya Abramsky, William E. Oswald, Sarah Cook, Katherine E. Halliday, Patrick Nguipdop-Djomo, Joanna Sturgess, Georgina Ireland, Shamez N. Ladhani, Punam Mangtani, Sinead M. Langan, James R. Hargreaves, Chris Bonell
Summary: This study examined the implementation of COVID-19 preventive measures in 128 schools in England and their association with staff well-being. The findings showed that there were challenges in implementing the measures, but staff reported high adherence to measures such as wearing face coverings and regular handwashing. Higher adherence to measures was associated with lower burnout among school leaders and teaching staff. These findings highlight the need to support teacher well-being and improve the implementation of preventive measures.
JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Anwar Sheed Khan, Jody E. Phelan, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Sajid Ali, Muhammad Qasim, Noor Mohammad, Gary Napier, Sajjad Ahmad, Jamshed Alam, Baharullah Khattak, Susana Campino, Taane G. Clark, Taj Ali Khan
Summary: Tuberculosis is a major public health issue in Pakistan, and the study on genetic mutations of candidate genes contributes to the management and control of drug-resistant TB in the region. The most common resistance mutations were found in katG, fabG1, and inhA genes, with other rare mutations also identified.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jody Phelan, Paula Josefina Gomez-Gonzalez, Nuria Andreu, Yosuke Omae, Licht Toyo-Oka, Hideki Yanai, Reiko Miyahara, Supalert Nedsuwan, Paola Florez de Sessions, Susana Campino, Neneh Sallah, Julian Parkhill, Nat Smittipat, Prasit Palittapongarnpim, Taisei Mushiroda, Michiaki Kubo, Katsushi Tokunaga, Surakameth Mahasirimongkol, Martin L. Hibberd, Taane G. Clark
Summary: This study identified eight genetic interaction points associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis, including human loci DAP and RIMS3, as well as FSTL5. The analysis supports the co-evolution and adaptation between host and pathogen in tuberculosis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gary Napier, Susana Campino, Jody E. Phelan, Taane G. Clark
Summary: Using whole genome sequencing, we identified putative resistance markers for INH that can be used for genotypic drug-resistance profiling, aiding in the clinical management of tuberculosis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sophie Moss, Emilia Manko, Hristina Vasileva, Eunice Teixeira Da Silva, Adriana Goncalves, Ashley Osborne, Jody Phelan, Amabelia Rodrigues, Paulo Djata, Umberto D'Alessandro, David Mabey, Sanjeev Krishna, Anna Last, Taane G. G. Clark, Susana Campino
Summary: Following integrated malaria control interventions, malaria burden on the Bijagos Archipelago has significantly decreased. Understanding the genomic diversity of circulating Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites can assist infection control, through identifying drug resistance mutations and characterising the complexity of population structure. This study presents the first whole genome sequence data for P. falciparum isolates from the Bijagos Archipelago.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Turkiewicz, Emilia Manko, Damiola R. Oresegun, Debbie Nolder, Anton Spadar, Colin J. Sutherland, Janet Cox-Singh, Robert W. Moon, Yee-Ling Lau, Susana Campino, Taane G. Clark
Summary: The genetic diversity of the zoonotic Plasmodium knowlesi parasite in Southeast Asia has important implications for its evolution, diagnostics, transmission dynamics, and drug resistance. Previous studies have identified three sub-populations of P. knowlesi based on geographical location and macaque host. However, the genetic structure of non-Borneo sub-populations is still unclear. By analyzing a large collection of P. knowlesi whole-genome sequencing data, this study reveals genetic exchange events and differences in different clusters linked to mosquito-related stages and host-related stages.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mojca Kristan, Holly Acford-Palmer, Monica Oliveira Campos, Emma L. Collins, Jody Phelan, Natalie M. Portwood, Bethanie Pelloquin, Sian Clarke, Jo Lines, Taane G. Clark, Thomas Walker, Susana Campino, Louisa A. Messenger
Summary: The invasion and establishment of An. stephensi mosquitoes in the Horn of Africa poses a significant regional threat to malaria control. Novel vector surveillance methods using environmental DNA (eDNA) have been validated for simultaneous detection of An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti in shared breeding sites. The eDNA surveillance has the potential to be implemented in local communities and at points of entry to monitor the spread of invasive vector species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leen N. N. Vanheer, Almahamoudou Mahamar, Emilia Manko, Sidi M. M. Niambele, Koualy Sanogo, Ahamadou Youssouf, Adama Dembele, Makonon Diallo, Seydina O. O. Maguiraga, Jody Phelan, Ashley Osborne, Anton Spadar, Merel J. J. Smit, Teun Bousema, Chris Drakeley, Taane G. G. Clark, William Stone, Alassane Dicko, Susana Campino
Summary: Sequence analysis of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in asymptomatic individuals in South-Western Mali reveals an increase in genetic variation and drug resistance frequencies. This is important for monitoring the emergence and spread of drug-resistant parasites, informing malaria control efforts in Mali and worldwide.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Sarah Auburn
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Holly Acford-Palmer, Monica Campos, Janvier Bandibabone, Severin N'Do, Chimanuka Bantuzeko, Bertin Zawadi, Thomas Walker, Jody E. Phelan, Louisa A. Messenger, Taane G. Clark, Susana Campino
Summary: Vector control strategies have been effective in reducing malaria cases, but insecticide resistance is a significant threat. Monitoring insecticide resistance using molecular surveillance tools is crucial. This study developed an Amp-seq approach for An. funestus and identified non-synonymous mutations associated with resistance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gary Napier, David Couvin, Guislaine Refregier, Christophe Guyeux, Conor J. Meehan, Christophe Sola, Susana Campino, Jody Phelan, Taane G. Clark
Summary: Bacterial strain-types in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex play a crucial role in tuberculosis disease, and are related to drug resistance, transmission, virulence, and host-pathogen interactions. Although whole genome sequencing has become a popular method for strain typing, spoligotyping remains important and the congruence between spoligotyping and SNP-based sub-lineage assignation needs to be studied. A method called Spolpred2 was developed to predict spoligotypes in silico and integrated into TB-Profiler, allowing for the characterization of strain-types and lineage predictions for over 28k isolates.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashley Osborne, Jody E. E. Phelan, Leen N. N. Vanheer, Alphaxard Manjurano, Jesse Gitaka, Christopher J. J. Drakeley, Akira Kaneko, Kiyoshi Kita, Susana Campino, Taane G. G. Clark
Summary: Malaria has had a significant impact on the human genome, leading to genetic conditions and defects. Our understanding of the genetic differences between different indigenous populations in Africa and their implications on disease is limited. However, advances in low-cost sequencing technologies have allowed for targeted genetic profiling and insights into genetic diversity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Amy Ibrahim, Emilia Manko, Jamille G. Dombrowski, Monica Campos, Ernest Diez Benavente, Debbie Nolder, Colin J. Sutherland, Francois Nosten, Diana Fernandez, Gabriel Velez-Tobon, Alberto Tobon Castano, Anna Caroline C. Aguiar, Dhelio Batista Pereira, Simone da Silva Santos, Martha Suarez-Mutis, Silvia Maria Di Santi, Andrea Regina de Souza Baptista, Ricardo Luiz Dantas Machado, Claudio R. F. Marinho, Taane G. Clark, Susana Campino
Summary: Through whole genome sequencing of P. vivax isolates from 7 Brazilian states, researchers have identified distinct genetic diversity of P. vivax parasites in Brazil compared to other global regions. They have also discovered mutations in genes under selective pressure linked to antimalarial drugs and mosquito vectors. This study provides important insights into the population structure of P. vivax in Brazil and can inform future research and control measures.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Nina Billows, Jody E. Phelan, Dong Xia, Yonghong Peng, Taane G. Clark, Yu-Mei Chang
Summary: This article explores the use of artificial intelligence in predicting drug resistance in tuberculosis, and presents findings from comparing different approaches.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jamille Gregorio Dombrowski, Holly Acford-Palmer, Monica Campos, Erika Paula Machado Separovic, Sabrina Epiphanio, Taane Gregory Clark, Susana Campino, Claudio Romero Farias Marinho
Summary: Approximately 92 million pregnant women are at risk of contracting malaria each year, with P. vivax infection causing adverse pregnancy outcomes. In the State of Acre, Brazil, high transmission increases the risk of malaria and recurrences in pregnant women. Studying the genetic diversity of P. vivax and its association with pregnancy effects is crucial for disease control.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2023)
