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SUMMARY:Reassessing red blood cell invasion in malaria parasites - Dr Robe
 rt Moon - LSHTM
DTSTART:20240131T160000Z
DTEND:20240131T170000Z
UID:TALK207319@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Anna Protasio
DESCRIPTION:Malaria parasites rely on cycles of cellular invasion and intr
 acellular growth to proliferate within the blood stream\, a process which 
 underpins symptoms of the disease. The cycles of cellular invasion and int
 racellular growthThe adaptation of P. knowlesi (Pk) to culture in human er
 ythrocytes presents exciting opportunities to study erythrocyte invasion b
 iology. Two major protein families have been studied extensively in P. fal
 ciparum (Pf): the erythrocyte binding-like proteins (EBPs/EBAs) and the re
 ticulocyte binding-like proteins (RBLs/RHs). These proteins are hypothesiz
 ed to have overlapping but critical roles during the invasion process. The
  zoonotic malaria parasite P. knowlesi\, has a smaller repertoire of these
  proteins\, and much larger and polarised invasive stages known as merozoi
 tes.\n\nEmploying a conditional knockout approach\, we've demonstrated dis
 tinct roles for the two families at different invasion stages\, including 
 a specific role for RBL proteins in the initial identification and deforma
 tion of target host erythrocytes. Furthermore\, we've unearthed new featur
 es that prompt a significant reassessment of invasion. Notably\, we've dis
 covered that Pk merozoites can engage in productive gliding motility prior
  to invasion\, and we've corrected a longstanding assumption in merozoite 
 topology – the merozoite apex is actually located in the wider end of th
 e cell\, contrary to prior beliefs. These findings unveil new aspects of t
 his complex process and introduce fresh tools and techniques to deepen our
  understanding of invasion across all malaria parasite species. Finally\, 
 we will demonstrate how the new genetic tools emerging from studies in bas
 ic biology of malaria parasite can be readily adapted to facilitate vaccin
 e\, drug and diagnostics targeting a broader range of malaria parasite spe
 cies. \n
LOCATION:Seminar Room\, Tennis Court Road\, Dept of Pathology.
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