Systems Biology

Gene Expression

During our genomic variation studies on Plasmodium falciparum, we soon realized that there is more to be uncovered about the mechanism of drug resistance than simple differences in DNA sequences. It is likely that there are phenotypic variations observed that are caused by the differential expression of gene(s) and not due to the presence of a gene sequence polymorphism. Genetic expression studies provide us with much more information regarding the expression patterns and activity levels of genes.

We measure gene expression in our lab by hybridizing cDNA onto microarray chips.

At the Ferdig lab, we are interested in understanding the relationships between fundamental molecular processes such as gene expression and complex biological phenotypes such as drug resistance and growth. We have previously identified genetic loci that control gene expression in laboratory clones of the Dd2 and HB3 genetic cross using genetical genomics or eQTL studies (Gonzalez et al. 2008). In addition, we are developing experimental tools that can accurately measure gene expression. We are using gene expression data to understand the mechanism of action of drugs, infer biological circuits that are important in drug resistance and predict the activity of drugs in malaria parasites.