Discussion

Reversible protein phosphorylation is catalysed by protein kinases (PKs) and protein phosphatases (PPs) controlling many signalling and cellular pathways in most eukaryotes. In the malaria parasite to unravel these signalling molecules are of great interest, for both better understanding of signalling pathways during complex parasite life cycle and identification of novel drug targets for intervention at different stages of life cycle.
We have performed genome wide functional analysis of both the kinase and phosphatase gene family in Plasmodium to unravel their role in parasite developmental pathway. These studies have revealed the functional clusters of kinases/phosphatases that are unique to Plasmodium. In addition we have identified molecules that are required for sexual development and sporogony in mosquito vector which can inform targets of intervention for parasite transmission.
Overall, our two major studies identifies how kinase and phosphatases regulate parasite development and differentiation, provides a systematic functional analysis for all PKs/PPs in Plasmodium, and can inform identification of novel drug targets in malaria.