Molecular mechanism of translocation complex in P. falciparum gametocytes

Plasmodium falciparum acquires the ability to infect mosquitoes by differentiating into gametocytes within human erythrocytes. Plasmodium transports dozens of pathogenic proteins to erythrocytes during gametocyte differentiation, but the molecular machinery responsible for these transports is poorly understood. In order to elucidate this unknown point, we will generate knockdown protozoa using a genetic modification method and perform phenotypic analysis. This study elucidates the molecular basis of the gametocyte stage translocon. In this study, the NF54 strain was used, which has a high ability to differentiate into gametocytes. The conditions under which this strain efficiently forms gametocytes was optimized, and constructed the conditions for protein sample preparation at the gametocyte stage. Furthermore, there was a problem that the efficiency of genetic modification experiments using the NF54 strain was low, but this problem was solved by this research, and now the focus is on the production of target genetically modified protozoa. It was suggested that the glmS system used for knockdown also worked smoothly by basic analysis using multiple genetically modified protozoa. In addition, through discussions with collaborators, we were able to identify new candidates for translocon-related molecules, which were also analyzed. These results are expected to advance the understanding of translocon-related molecules in the gametocyte stage of Plasmodium falciparum, and contribute to the development of anti-gametocyte drugs in the future.

Project details

Basic Science

Apr 2021 — Mar 2024

$35,721

Japan