Functional characterization of the main integral protein components of the parasite-host cell interface of Plasmodium falciparum blood stages

The intracellular development of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in red blood cells is responsible for the clinical symptoms of malaria. In the red blood cell, the parasite is separated from the host cell cytosol by a membrane called the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM). This membrane plays a key role in the interaction of the parasite with its host cell but many of its functions are poorly understood or unknown. The PVM contains short, highly charged and highly abundant integral membrane proteins termed EXP1 and ETRAMPs (a family of 14 proteins). These molecules are the only so far known proteins bridging this membrane (they contain a domain reaching into the host cell and one facing the parasite). Several, including EXP1, are indicated to be essential for parasite survival and they likely play critical roles in the interaction of the parasite with the host cell. However, due to technical limitations, they have so far not been functionally analysed in P. falciparum parasites. Using new technology the team generated a conditional knock out of EXP1. This work to unravel the function of the major integral components of the parasite host cell interface and to contribute to an understanding how the parasite exploits and interacts with the host red blood cell.

Project details

Basic Science
Enabling Technologies & Assays
Genetics and Genomics

Jan 2018 — Dec 2022

Germany