# BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON ERYTHROCYTE INVASION BY PLASMODIA

> **NIH NIH R01** · ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY · 1992 · $247,501

## Abstract

The long term objective of the laboratory is to understand the biochemical
events underlying the invasion of the P. falciparum merozoites into its
host cell, the erythrocyte.  We have previously identified and
characterized in detail the surface molecules that mediate recognition
between the merozoite and the erythrocyte.  We are now interested in
extending this work to study the mechanism whereby the merozoite penetrates
the erythrocyte.  This is particularly intriguing phenomenon, because of
the rigid nature of the erythrocyte membrane and its lack of phagocytic or
endocytotic ability.  The parasite must initiate its entry.  Central to the
invasive process is the rhoptry organelle, located at the apical end of the
merozoite.  Electron microscopic studies suggest that the contents of the
rhoptries are secreted during merozoite invasion.  Except for such studies,
little is understood about its biochemical role in invasion.  We have
identified a protein of M.W. II0,000,Pf II0, as a component of the
rhoptries by reactivity with a MAb.  During merozoite invasion, the PfII0
is secreted into the erythrocyte membrane.  Preliminary experiments suggest
that PfII0 is associated with protease activity.

The specific objective of the present proposal is to perform a systematic
analysis of the components of the rhoptries.  The organelle will be
isolated from merozoites and the protein and enzyme activity analyzed.
The interaction of specific rhoptry polypeptides with membrane proteins of
the erythrocyte will be investigated, both in vitro, and in the membrane of
infected erythrocytes.  Synthetic inhibitors of rhoptry proteases will be
tested for their effects on merozoite invasion.  We anticipate that these
experiments will lead to an understanding of the functionally important
domains of the rhoptry proteins.  Such a site could represent a conserved
target for immune attack in individuals infected with malaria, and a
corresponding synthetic sequence form the basis of a therapeutic reagent.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128921
- **Project number:** 5R01AI019585-10
- **Recipient organization:** ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LHGDNJMZ64Y1
- **Principal Investigator:** MARGARET E PERKINS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $247,501
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-01-01 → 1993-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128921

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128921, BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON ERYTHROCYTE INVASION BY PLASMODIA (5R01AI019585-10). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128921. Licensed CC0.

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