Objectif Sporozoites are the motile forms of the malaria causing parasite Plasmodium and are injected into the vertebrate host by a mosquito. Their motility is powered by the parasites own actin-myosin motor, which is connected to transmembrane proteins of the TRAP (thrombospondin-related anonymous protein) family which serve as force transmitters. This substrate-dependent locomotion is a prerequisite for tissue penetration and host cell invasion. The glycolytic enzyme aldolase was thought to be the link between actin and surface adhesins (reported in Mol Cell). However, recent data revealed that aldolase does not fulfil this role hence it is now unclear how the force is transmitted. Additionally, lack of the main surface adhesin TRAP was also found (by the host lab) to not block motility as previously reported (in Cell). Additional recent findings are challenging the model of how gliding motility works and thus highlight the importance to focus on novel proteins. One such new protein, LIMP has recently been identified in the host lab. Therefore, the principal aim presented in this proposal is the identification of the molecular function of LIMP, which shows an identical phenotype to TRAP. To this end I will generate a series of parasites strains expressing different mutated versions of LIMP which will be investigated using biophysical approaches. Moreover, I attempt to identify the proteins interacting with LIMP. Champ scientifique medical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesmalarianatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicsmedical and health scienceshealth sciencesparasitologynatural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryaminesnatural sciencesbiological scienceszoologyinvertebrate zoology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Thème(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Appel à propositions H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinateur UNIVERSITATSKLINIKUM HEIDELBERG Contribution nette de l'UE € 159 460,80 Adresse IM NEUENHEIMER FELD 672 69120 Heidelberg Allemagne Voir sur la carte Région Baden-Württemberg Karlsruhe Heidelberg, Stadtkreis Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 159 460,80