Research on MSH proteins involved in DNA mismatch repair in Plasmodium falciparum

Objectives

*Original title and text were machine translated from Japanese.

In this project a genome-wide mutation analysis will be performed on the produced protozoa to clarify its characteristics as a mutator protozoan, and conduct research with the aim of applying it as a forward genetics tool.

Principal Institution

Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU), Japan

Principal Investigators / Focal Persons

Hajime Honma

Rationale and Abstract

In order to eliminate malaria, it is necessary to have a more detailed biological understanding of the malaria parasite, elucidate the evolutionary mechanisms that generate new traits in the field, and develop genetic tools to achieve this. Mutator protozoa, which have higher mutation rates than wild-type strains, are useful as forward genetics tools for efficiently creating traits that are difficult to reproduce, such as drug resistance, in the lab. This research focuses on the MSH protein, which plays a major role in DNA mismatch repair, and uses genome editing technology to create a new mutator protozoan.

External reference

Project details

Thematic Categories

Parasite Genetic Diversity

Date

Apr 2023 — Mar 2026

Total Project Funding

$34,916

Funding Details

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan

Grant ID: 23K06520

JPY 4.68M