Characterization of the protein encoded by the PBANKA_1459100 gene as a gametogenesis activation receptor in Plasmodium

• Grant number: 23/00431-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: February 01, 2023
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Daniel Youssef Bargieri
• Grantee: Janaína Tenorio Novais
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/06769-0 - Discovery of vaccine targets and compounds against Malaria transmission, AP.JP2
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/05871-7 - Characterization of the protein encoded by the PBANKA_1459100 gene as a gametogenesis activation receptor in Plasmodium, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

Malaria is a serious public health problem. Estimates from WHO show that there were approximately 241 million cases of malaria and 627,000 deaths due to malaria in 2020. Historically, Plasmodium antigen characterization has focused on blood stage antigens expressed by the merozoite forms or pre-erythocitic antigens expressed by the sporozoites, since these are the infectious stages for humans. However, relatively recently, antigens that are present in the sexual stages, the gametocytes, have been proposed as viable targets for vaccines or drugs that block parasite transmission to mosquitos. Laboratory simulations and mathematical calculations predict that the block or reduction of transmission to a very low level could be sufficient to eliminate malaria from endemic zones. Our research group has been studying the sexual phase of the parasite, with the aim of finding antigens and drugs capable of blocking parasite transmission. Thus, the objectives of this work are the characterization of the PBANKA_1459100 gene, and to understand the kinetics of the protein in living cells during gametocyte activation, since current results obtained by our research group have shown that this gene is essential for parasite gametogenesis. (AU)