Mok Lab

The Mok Lab investigates how Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, develops resistance to antimalarial drugs. We use systems-based multi-omics, genetic mapping, and gene-editing approaches to uncover the genetic markers and molecular mechanisms that drive resistance, and to understand how these mutations affect parasite fitness and transmission. By leveraging innovative tools such as humanized mouse models for parasite genetic crosses, we identify resistance markers to both frontline and next-generation antimalarials. These insights provide critical tools for molecular surveillance, guiding the use of artemisinin-based therapies, and informing strategies to limit the spread of drug-resistant malaria.

Research Areas

Our research spans four areas:

1. Defining genetic markers and mechanisms of resistance to artemisinin and partner drugs.
2. Mapping the molecular basis of transmission in highly transmissible P. falciparum field isolates and identifying transmission-blocking targets to curb malaria spread.
3. Exploring how resistance-associated mutations influence parasite fitness, transmission, and in shaping disease dynamics.
4. Establishing new molecular tools for genotyping resistance markers and measuring parasite fitness.