Application of genomics to field investigations of malaria by the international centers of excellence for malaria research

We review some key advances in parasite biology based on genomics and population genetics and discuss applications to field investigations of malaria and its transmission. We propose three research opportunities for the International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research including evaluating the prevalence of known genetic markers; discovery of new drug resistance variants; and monitoring transmission dynamics using population genetic, immunologic or gametocyte-specific correlates. [Display omitted] ► We examine how genomic sequence information has advanced our understanding of parasite biology. ► We discuss how population genetic approaches can be used to identify genetic variants associated with key clinical phenotypes such as drug resistance. ► We explore application of genetic and genomic approaches to understanding malaria epidemiology and transmission. Success of the global research agenda toward eradication of malaria will depend on development of new tools, including drugs, vaccines, insecticides and diagnostics. Genomic information, now available for the malaria parasites, their mosquito vectors, and human host, can be leveraged to both develop these tools and monitor their effectiveness. Although knowledge of genomic sequences for the malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, have helped advance our understanding of malaria biology, simply knowing this sequence information has not yielded a plethora of new interventions to reduce the burden of malaria. Here we review and provide specific examples of how genomic information has increased our knowledge of parasite biology, focusing on P. falciparum malaria. We then discuss how population genetics can be applied toward the epidemiological and transmission-related goals outlined by the International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research groups recently established by the National Institutes of Health. Finally, we propose genomics is a research area that can promote coordination and collaboration between various ICEMR groups, and that working together as a community can significantly advance the value of this information toward reduction of the global malaria burden.