Triggers of translational repression release in plasmodium sexual stage parasites

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded The Pennsylvania State University $247,000 on May 1, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to study mechanisms of translational repression release in Plasmodium parasites during transmission from mammals to mosquito vectors.

The research applies reverse genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and microscopy-based approaches to determine how malaria parasites control gene expression before and after transmission. The work tests the hypothesis that release of translational repression in female parasites occurs through multiple distinct triggering events leading to fertilization, and uses reverse genetics and protein-blocking approaches to identify the required contributions of male gametocytes or gametes toward this release.

Performance occurs in State College, Pennsylvania, with a period of performance from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2028. The Institute for Systems Biology serves as a sub-grantee on the award, collaborating on the translational repression research under a sub-award issued June 24, 2026.

Abstract

Malaria is still one of the greatest disease burdens of the world today. In this proposed work, we will apply cutting-edge reverse genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and microscopy-based approaches to study how malaria parasites can control their gene expression in the moments before and after transmission from a mammalian host to a mosquito vector. In this proposed work, we will test the hypothesis that the release of translational repression in female parasites occurs due to multiple, distinct, triggering events that lead up to fertilization. We will use both reverse genetics and protein-based blocking approaches to determine the required contribution of the male gametocyte or male gamete toward the release of translational repression. Together, we will determine and validate mechanisms that control the release of translational repression and address hypotheses focused on understanding how malaria parasites use and deploy translational controls to overcome its mosquito vector to establish a productive infection.