Function and evolution of the Fam A protein family of malaria parasites in pathogenesis

Christiaan van Ooij (primary)
Pathogen Molecular Biology
London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine
Nicholas Keep (secondary)
Department of Biological Sciences
Birkbeck

Abstract

The malaria parasite Fam A protein PF14_0604 is a putative cholesterol-transfer protein and is produced during the stage of the parasite lifecycle that is transmitted to the mosquito and hence may be important for the adaptation to the mosquito. This project will investigate cholesterol transfer of PF14_0604 through biochemical assays and the cellular function of the protein through genetic modification of the parasite. The function of the protein will be further investigated through determination of the structure of the protein through crystallography, providing insight into the expansion and divergence of the Fam A protein family in rodent malaria parasites.


References

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BBSRC Area
Plants, microbes, food and sustainability
Area of Biology
MicrobiologyStructural Biology
Techniques & Approaches
BiochemistryGeneticsMicroscopy / ElectrophysiologyMolecular BiologySimulation / Modelling