Abstract:  Malaria-causing parasites are obligate intracellular parasites that depend on protein secretion to penetrate, subvert, and exit their host cells. These parasites reside within a vacuolar compartment called parasitophorous vacuole (PV) which acts as the main interphase for host-pathogen interactions. In Plasmodium, effector protein export from the PV into the host is mediated by the PTEX translocon composed of HSP101, PTEX150, and EXP2. While the structure and function of this complex is known, little is known about how this translocon is assembled and established in the membrane of the PV. Using a variety of genetic and molecular tools developed in the lab, I describe the trafficking of this complex and further characterize associated proteins required for its function. Ultimately, these studies are crucial for vaccine and drug development necessary to overcome resistance against frontline antimalarials.

The Bio-WIP Seminars (formerly BBMB WIP seminars) are sponsored by the BBMB Graduate Learning Community.