Characterisation of a new family of zinc finger proteins and their role in apicomplexan parasites’ development and transmission

The Apicomplexan parasites (eg. malaria-causing Plasmodium sp) require a finely tuned gene expression control in order to move through their complex life cycles. The molecular mechanisms by which they achieving this, however, remain poorly understood, as the majority of Eukaryota-specific transcription factors don’t find their equivalent in this phylum. A better understanding of this phenomenon could lead to both the new Apicomplexa-specific treatments and to better methods of the generation of various parasite stages in the laboratory conditions. Recently a group RNA binding proteins expanded uniquely within Apicomplexa and their closest relatives have been identified, characterised by the N-terminal clusters of CCCH-type zinc fingers. In a model organism, P.berghei, they are required for both parasite’s asexual proliferation and transmission. While they are likely to be significant contributors to the gene expression machinery of Apicomplexa, so far they have not been investigated in detail.  As the result this project will deliver a comprehensive analysis of the diversity and functions of an apicomplexa-specific protein family involved in the gene expression control, potentially resulting in new ways of controlling the apicomplexan infections both in the laboratory and in field.

Project details

Basic Science

Jan 2021 — Jan 2024

$671,390

United Kingdom