Apicomplexa do not have cilia or flagella but glide rapidly on solid substrates. The molecular mechanism of this unique type of motility is obscure. We have provided genetic evidence that TRAP (thrombospondin-related anonymous protein), a typel trans-membrane molecule that bears two adhesive domains, is required both for motility and cell invasion of Plasmodium sporozoites. It has been suggested that gliding and cell invasion is driven by an actin/myosin motor located beneath the plasma membrane of the parasites. The overall objective of this proposal is to identify the motor components, some of which must be directly or indirectly connected to the cytoplasmic tail of TRAP.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI049977-03
Application #
6691100
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-K (01))
Program Officer
Rogers, Martin J
Project Start
2002-01-01
Project End
2006-12-31
Budget Start
2004-01-01
Budget End
2004-12-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$367,300
Indirect Cost
Name
New York University
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
121911077
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10016
Bhanot, Purnima; Frevert, Ute; Nussenzweig, Victor et al. (2003) Defective sorting of the thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) inhibits Plasmodium infectivity. Mol Biochem Parasitol 126:263-73