Identification of female germ molecules that interact with the male molecule PyMiGS involved in the fertilization of Plasmodium

Malaria parasites reproduce sexually in the digestive tract of vector mosquitoes. Although several molecules have been reported to be expressed during sexual reproduction, little is known about their interactions. The applicant has so far identified PyMiGS, which is localized on the surface of male gametes, and clarified that this molecule has a function during sexual reproduction. In this fiscal year, we started constructing a PyMiGS AirID fusion protozoa and another molecule AirID fusion protozoa as a negative control. Regarding the AirID fusion of PyMiGS, considering that it is uncertain whether the produced protozoa can express PyMiGS normally and biotinylation is sufficiently performed, multiple protozoa inserted in different places were produced. In addition, as a negative control, we will create protozoa by fusing AirID to a known molecule expressed in gametocytes. At the same time, considering the same problem as PyMiGS, the project will narrow down candidate molecules that can be negative controls in addition to known molecules. Based on the database expression profile, several unknown molecules have been selected that were predicted to be predominantly expressed in female gametocytes, and constructed constructs for the production of myc protozoa in order to identify the actual expression time.

Project details

Basic Science

Apr 2021 — Mar 2024

$36,840

Japan