The Department of Entomology
The College of Agricultural Sciences
The Cui Lab - Malaria & Molecular Biology
Our research program utilizes molecular biology tools to study key genes in the malaria parasites Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.
Molecular Biology of Malaria Parasites
Malaria causes over 2 million deaths each year in Africa and Asia; mostly in children. We utilize many basic and advanced molecular techniques to gain a better understanding of the biology of Plasmodium
species. Understanding how the parasites
function, develop, and survive will allow malaria researchers to explore new vaccine and drug options. Many of today's drugs
are becoming less effective due to the build up of resistance within populations. Research concerning both population structures
and genetic mutations will teach us about the parasites' long term reactions to drugs.