PfEMP1 expression is reduced on the surface of knobless Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes.

The Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is a key virulence factor for this species of human malarial parasite. PfEMP1 is expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IEs) and directly mediates adhesion to a variety of host cells. A number of other parasite-encoded proteins are similarly exported to the IE plasma membrane and play an indirect role in this adhesion process through the modification of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton and the formation of electron dense knobs into which PfEMP1 is anchored.

Malaria parasite and vector genomes: partners in crime.

The publication of the genome sequences of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and the insect vector Anopheles gambiae paves the way for scientists to study these organisms by using technologies developed to observe global changes in transcription and translation, as well as computational tools. Researchers are now able to investigate complex changes involved in development, growth and reaction to external factors. Given the medical importance of these organisms, much of this work is targeted on drug or insecticide discovery (including mechanisms of resistance to existing treatments), but the genome information also provides the opportunity to develop novel therapies.