Exploring the regulatory mechanisms underlying Plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis

Plasmodium falciparum proliferates in red blood cells and causes disease in humans. On the other hand, some Plasmodium falciparum parasites present in erythrocytes undergo sex differentiation into morphologies called gametocytes and acquire the ability to infect mosquitoes. Protozoan proliferation and sexual differentiation are regulated by various gametocyte-related genes, but the whole picture is unknown. In this fiscal year, multiple genetically modified strains of Plasmodium falciparum will be created for analysis of the regulation of gametocyte-related genes. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, reporter genes such as GFP and NanoLuc are introduced into the C-terminus of GDV1, a regulator of gametocyte differentiation. In parallel with this modification, an attempt will be made to partially delete the expression control region of GDV1 that exists downstream of GDV1. By making full use of these genetically modified protozoa, it will clarify the upstream mechanism of GDV1 expression regulation in the next fiscal year. Plasmodium falciparum proliferates in red blood cells and causes disease in humans. On the other hand, some Plasmodium falciparum parasites present in erythrocytes undergo sex differentiation into morphologies called gametocytes and acquire the ability to infect mosquitoes. Protozoan proliferation and sexual differentiation are regulated by various gametocyte-related genes, but the whole picture is unknown.

Basic Science

Apr 2021 — Mar 2023

Japan