Microsatellites markers fostering the understanding of malaria parasite biology, epidemiology and population genetics

Kanika Verma; Sirajunnisa Abdul Razack; Kristan Alexander Schneider; Praveen Kumar Bharti

doi:10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116667

Microsatellites markers fostering the understanding of malaria parasite biology, epidemiology and population genetics

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2024 Dec 20:116667. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116667. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Kanika Verma¹, Sirajunnisa Abdul Razack², Kristan Alexander Schneider³, Praveen Kumar Bharti⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular Epidemiology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector-8, Dwarka, Delhi 110077, India; Center of Excellence on Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing (Neur-Age NatChula), India; Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
² College of Public Health Sciences (CPHS), Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
³ Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Translaitional Informatics Division, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA; UNM Clinical and Translational Science Center, Health Sciences Center, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Support, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department Applied Computer and Bio-Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Mittweida, Mittweida, Germany.
⁴ Department of Molecular Epidemiology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector-8, Dwarka, Delhi 110077, India. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 39732581
DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116667

Abstract

Microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs), are short tandemly repeated DNA sequences widely dispersed throughout the genome. Their high variability, co-dominant inheritance, and ease of detection make them valuable genetic markers, frequently used to study genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary processes. In the context of malaria research, particularly with Plasmodium falciparum (P.falciparum), the deadliest malaria parasite in humans, microsatellites have been extensively utilized to track genetic variation, monitor drug resistance, and understand transmission patterns. This study highlights the significance of microsatellite markers in unraveling the genetic complexity of P. falciparum, providing insights into its biology and epidemiology. We discuss their application in the study of parasite population genetics, the challenges associated with their use, and their potential in guiding malaria control strategies. By focusing on P. falciparum, this work emphasizes the critical role of microsatellite markers in advancing our understanding of malaria transmission, drug resistance, and potential vaccine development.

Keywords: Biomarker; Elimination; Malaria infection; Microsatellite.

Publication types

Editorial