Computational Approaches Based Evolutionary Analysis to Identify the Genetic Variation Among Kelch 13 Gene Linked to Artemisinin Resistance in Plasmodium Falciparum

Malaria is an ancient and common health manifestation in humans, worldwide. It poses a significant socioeconomic challenge in most developing countries, including India. Plasmodium species are the causative agents of malaria, with $P$. falciparum and $P$. vivax being the most prevalent in the Southeast Asian subcontinent. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ART) is the most advanced therapy to cure malaria, in most malaria-endemic regions. However, the emergence of ART-resistant $P$. falciparum isolates is becoming increasingly frequent globally. Recent research has identified mutations in the Kelch 13 (K 13) gene linked to resistance to ART and involved in delayed parasite clearance. This study is designed to explore the genetic diversity of the K13 gene in P. falciparum isolates worldwide. To this end, we retrieved 101 sequences of the K13 gene from NCBI GenBank and performed a comparative sequential analysis using computational approaches to identify the conservation and variabilities among the genes. Our findings suggest that the K13 gene of $P$. falciparum isolates have mutations and variability among their sequences. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis has been conducted to understand the genetic distance and variability among the K13 protein gene of P. falciparum. Accordingly, the current study aims to contribute in modern research strategies by exploring the K13 gene's pathways, which may help to inhibit the pathogenesis of ART-resistant $P$. falciparum strains and provide potential approaches for malaria control.