ResearchBIORXIVMar 26
Preprint: Discovery of Plasmodium falciparum SR12 as a GOLD-Domain seven transmembrane protein regulating GPCR trafficking in mammalian cells
Scientists discovered a new protein called SR12 in the malaria parasite that works similarly to proteins in human cells. This protein might be a good target for creating new malaria drugs, especially since the parasite is becoming resistant to current treatments. The researchers used computer modeling to understand how this protein is structured and how it functions.
WHY IT MATTERSThis research could lead to new antimalarial drugs that work differently than current ones, which is critical because malaria parasites are increasingly resistant to existing treatments and malaria still kills hundreds of thousands of people annually.