Exploring the role of Decay-accelerating factor and tight junction formation during erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria is a serious disease caused by species of Plasmodium. This research will focus on P. falciparum, which causes the most severe form of malaria. The parasite’s complex life cycle involves both mosquito and human hosts, but it is during the human blood stage that symptoms arise. Here, parasites rapidly invade human red blood cells (RBCs) and develop into 32 parasite daughter cells. The process of invasion involves multiple interactions between the parasite and RBC; parasite proteins specifically recognise and engage with receptor proteins on the host cell. The role played by specific individual host receptor proteins in the invasion process is not well understood, but likely involves the context of the local environment, characteristics and properties of the protein. This is a protein that is reported to be highly mobile and can interact with other membrane proteins under certain conditions. To further current understanding behind the molecular mechanism of invasion, this project will also aim to identify other host proteins recruited to the local site of invasion and explore the reason behind their selection.

Basic Science

Sep 2022 — Sep 2025

United Kingdom