Dissecting the Molecular Basis of the Malaria Parasite-Erythrocyte Tight Junction Complex

Grant number: 637340 | Funding period: 2010 - 2012

Completed

Abstract

The parasites that cause malaria disease must invade the human red blood cell to complete their lifecycle. Invasion requires the formation of a complex interface between parasite and red cell called the Tight Junction. However, this structure's molecular makeup is entirely unknown. Our research will use a combination of state-of-the-art microscopy and genetics to define, for the first time, the junction's organization, providing a critical platform for the development of a malaria vaccine.

Related publications (4)

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Electron tomography of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites reveals core cellular events that underpin erythrocyte invasion

E Hanssen, C Dekiwadia, DT Riglar, M Rug, L Lemgruber, AF Cowman, M Cyrklaff, M Kudryashev, F Frischknecht, J Baum, SA Ralph

2013-09-01

Summary: Erythrocyte invasion by merozoites forms of the malaria parasite is a key step in the establishment of human malaria dise..

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Malaria Parasite Signal Peptide Peptidase is an ER-Resident Protease Required for Growth but not for Invasion

DS Marapana, DW Wilson, ES Zuccala, CD Dekiwadia, JG Beeson, SA Ralph, J Baum

2012-11-01

The establishment of parasite infection within the human erythrocyte is an essential stage in the development of malaria disease. ..

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Subcompartmentalisation of Proteins in the Rhoptries Correlates with Ordered Events of Erythrocyte Invasion by the Blood Stage Malaria Parasite

ES Zuccala, AM Gout, C Dekiwadia, DS Marapana, F Angrisano, L Turnbull, DT Riglar, KL Rogers, CB Whitchurch, SA Ralph, TP Speed, J Baum

2012-09-25

Host cell infection by apicomplexan parasites plays an essential role in lifecycle progression for these obligate intracellular pa..

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Super-resolution dissection of coordinated events during malaria parasite invasion of the human erythrocyte

DT Riglar, D Richard, DW Wilson, MJ Boyle, C Dekiwadia, L Turnbull, F Angrisano, DS Marapana, KL Rogers, CB Whitchurch, JG Beeson, AF Cowman, SA Ralph, J Baum

2011-01-20

Erythrocyte invasion by the merozoite is an obligatory stage in Plasmodium parasite infection and essential to malaria disease pro..

University of Melbourne Researchers