Speakers - 2026

Title: Structural analysis of artemisinin resistance marker pfk13 of plasmodium falciparum

Abstract

This study focuses on validating candidate mutations in the Pfk13 propeller domain of Plasmodium falciparum and assessing their potential impact on antimalarial drug resistance. A total of 50 blood samples from malaria-positive patients were collected and DNA was extracted to amplify a certain region of Pfk13 gene. Amplified products underwent Sanger sequencing to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms. Identified mutations were subjected to protein structure prediction using computational modeling tools. Both mutant and wild- type protein models were generated and compared to assess structural differences. To evaluate the functional impact of mutations, molecular docking studies were performed with PI3K, a known interacting partner. The study integrated wet-lab molecular techniques with in-silico bioinformatics approaches to provide a dual validation strategy. By combining laboratorybased mutation detection with computational prediction of structural and binding changes, the research aimed to offer a deeper understanding of how genetic variation in P. falciparum may drive antimalarial drug resistance. Findings from this study are expected to contribute to malaria control strategies by informing drug policy decisions and resistance monitoring programs. The integration of molecular and computational analyses will provide a robust framework for detecting and predicting resistance-associated mutations, ultimately aiding in the fight against malaria in endemic regions like Pakistan.

The audience take away from your presentation:
1. When patients suffering from malaria come to the clinic to get treated, we usually do not know if they were infected by a mutated parasite and we treat them like we’d treat any other patient. Unfortunately, they do not respond that well to the treatment. Due to the research work I conducted, I was able to create a pipeline that could help infectious disease specialists all around the globe to treat malaria patients in a better way.

2. This research had its limitations as well and by presenting it on a platform like IDC, I’d be able to invite researchers and scholars to present their thoughts and somehow provide suggestions to improve the overall pipeline.

3.This presentation will not only provide a solution-based strategy to infectious disease specialist but will also welcome molecular biologist to introduce further ideas for future implementation.