Researchers at Northwestern have identified critical biological markers linked to severe malaria infections in children, highlighting increased activity of genes related to inflammation. This study analyzed severe cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mali, using advanced multi-omics techniques to uncover molecular patterns associated with severe manifestations like cerebral malaria and severe anemia. Findings suggest a common inflammatory response in severe cases and elevated proteins linked to neurological symptoms, indicating potential pathways for future treatments against severe malaria in vulnerable populations such as young children in sub-Saharan Africa.
I am interested in human genetic predisposition to infectious diseases. In this study, we looked for signals - whether they're transcriptomic or proteomic - that either govern malarial disease or poor prognosis.
Among children with severe malaria, investigators found increased activity of three genes - MMP8, IL1R2 and ARG1 - involved in the inflammatory response.
These genes were highly active across different severe malaria subtypes, suggesting that dangerous forms of the disease share a common inflammatory response.
Elevated levels of TIMP-1, MMP8 and MMP9 indicate potential association with endothelial barrier breakdown, worsening neurological symptoms associated with severe malaria.
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