Deciphering lipid droplet dynamics and function in malaria parasites . Neutral lipid metabolism is central to development of the malaria parasite. However, access to essential lipids is restricted in

Description

Deciphering lipid droplet dynamics and function in malaria parasites . Neutral lipid metabolism is central to development of the malaria parasite. However, access to essential lipids is restricted in mosquitoes. Hence, the parasite stockpiles neutral lipids in lipid droplets. Originally thought to be mere fat storage organelles, they are now known to have essential roles in membrane dynamics and lipotoxic stress release in many eukaryotic cells. This project aims to characterise lipid droplet function in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum using a combination of innovative imaging techniques, reverse genetics and proteomics analysis. The anticipated knowledge gain in understanding lipid droplet biogenesis and degradation might provide novel avenues for not only treating malaria, but also other diseases.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3207 - Medical Microbiology. Lead: A/Prof Melanie Rug