Last Updated: 08/10/2025
Evaluation of calcium on the autoprocessing and activity of Plasmodium falciparum metacaspase
Objectives
The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the calcium ion on the self-processing of PfMCA and the importance of the interaction of this ion on the structure-activity relationship of this enzyme.
This research project is a continuation of the first scientific initiation project of the proponent, where we cloned and purified the Plasmodium falciparum metacaspase (PfMCA). Interestingly, T. brucei metacaspase 2 has already been previously cloned and characterized by our group, and demonstrated that these enzymes have unique and peculiar characteristics, such as the need for calcium for their activation, which occurs through a double processing. The biochemical characterization of this metacaspase and the study of the importance of the highly conserved residues of the interaction site with calcium are extremely important for understanding the functioning of these enzymes, which are excellent targets for the development of new therapeutic methods.
Mar 2025 — Dec 2025
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