How different transcription factors and RNA binding proteins act to orchestrate stage transitions in the Plasmodium parasites

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Talk abstract:

Malaria remains a major threat in tropics and the new disease control strategies are urgently needed if the efforts towards the eradication are to be sustained. Their design is however hampered by the complex biology of the malaria parasite - Plasmodium. Plasmodium is characterised by a very complex life cycle involving multiple life forms in both mammalian host and mosquito vector. Each transition between the life stages requires a change in expression of a large number of parasite’s genes in a short amount of time. The molecular mechanisms regulating this process would be, however, remain poorly understood limiting our ability to generate these stages in laboratory conditions In my talk I will present a number of ongoing projects from my group, identifying the key transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins involved in the generation of the malaria transmission stages. I will focus on ApiAP2 transcription factors and zinc-finger proteins and their target genes involved in the gametocyte to ookinete cell remodelling.