Elucidate a novel organelle maintenance mechanism mediated by an autophagy-related protein ATG8

Malaria parasites have an apicoplast, which is an organelle derived from chloroplasts. The apicoplast is surrounded by a four-layered membrane, and there are no known molecules involved in cell division, so the molecular mechanism by which it divides is unknown. Importantly, ATG8, an autophagy-related factor, is localized on the outermost membrane of the apicoplast, and suppression of the protozoan ATG8 gene expression results in abnormal apicoplast morphology and defective distribution to daughter cells. happen. First, computer modeling will be used to predict compounds that specifically bind to the surface of the parasite ATG8, synthesize them, add them to the malaria parasite culture system, and evaluate their effects on apicoplast morphology. Once a promising inhibitor is obtained, the plan to use it in various functional analyzes to elucidate the function of protozoan ATG8.

Basic Science

Apr 2022 — Mar 2023

$14,962

Japan