Microsatellite markers and genetic mapping in Plasmodium falciparum

Whole-genome methods are changing the scope of biological questions that ca n be addressed in malaria research. In the rich context provided by Plasmod ium falciparum genome sequencing, genetic mapping is a powerful tool for id entifying genes involved in parasite development, invasion, transmission an d drug resistance. The recent development of a high-resolution P. falciparu m linkage map consisting of hundreds of microsatellite markers will facilit ate an integrated genomic approach to understanding the relationship betwee n genetic variations and biological phenotypes. Here, Michael Ferdig and Xi n-zhuan Su provide an overview for applying microsatellite markers and gene tic maps to gene mapping, parasite typing and studies of parasite populatio n changes.