Tim Anderson, Ph.D.

My laboratory uses population genomics methods to understand the genetics and evolution of biomedically important traits such as drug resistance and host specificity in malaria parasites and schistosomes, and to explore fundamental aspects of pathogen biology and epidemiology. Current interests include (1) Artemisinin resistance in SE Asian malaria parasites (2) Copy number variation in Plasmodium (3) Within host dynamics and composition of malaria infections (4) Application of linkage mapping and exome sequencing for Schistosome parasites. We have active collaborations with field projects in Southeast Asia (malaria) and conduct field research in Africa (schistosomes). Recent highlights include identification of Plasmodium genome regions involved in artemisinin resistance in malaria in SE Asia, the development of a humanized mouse model for conducting genetic crosses in P. falciparum, and characterization and functional analysis of mutations underlying Oxamniquine resistance in Schistosoma mansoni.

Related Diseases: Schistosoma and Malaria

Techniques: Genome sequencing, RNAseq, linkage analysis, RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, evolutionary genetics, malaria parasite culture, maintenance of schistosome lifecycle and field work.