I’m particularly interested in the study of protein localization in parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. This phylum consists of many parasites that have a great potential to cause serious illnesses in human beings as well as animals.
The plan interested to reveal concrete facts by analyzing the following:
- How do this parasites export proteins from their own cells into strategic positions within their hosts?
- What reasons enhance the intra or inter protein transfer?
- Which categories of protein are transferable and what are their effects on both the host and the parasite?
- What can be done to easily identify the subcellular locations of apicomplexan proteins?
- What can be done to design a process or possible drugs to counter the effects of the proteins on the host?
The plan is very significant as it will enable biologists to better understand cellular biology. Parasites have for a long time been a major threat to humanity. For instance plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria, a disease that has been a major cause of infant mortality, will better be understood and the effective strategies to counter its effect developed. This will lower the cost that governments spend on the treatment of malaria. A clear understanding of the interrelationship between DNA encoding, protein localization and the life cycle of phylum Apicomplexa will make it easier for researchers to develop commercial antibodies that can be used to rectify various conditions thus saving humanity from being swept by the conditions that threaten human life.
