Post-transcriptional regulation by CCCH-type zinc finger family of Plasmodium parasites

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K06985
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49040:Parasitology-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: Shinzawa Naoaki 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 講師 (10583015)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: マラリア / ゲノム編集 / 転写後調節 / RNA結合タンパク質

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we focused on the TZF family, which is highly conserved among malaria parasite species, to elucidate the basic principles of post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms in malaria parasites. Using DOZI, which is responsible for translational repression in female gametocytes, we established the TRIBE method, a novel RNA-target identification technique. However, when applying the TRIBE method to multiple TZFs, we observed numerous non-specific mRNA edits, indicating that the TRIBE method was insufficient for analyzing target RNAs. This raised concerns about the selectivity of RNA-binding proteins that can be used with the TRIBE method. On the other hand, TZFs in both asexual and sexual stages exhibited a dotted expression pattern in the cytoplasm, suggesting their involvement in membraneless organelles such as P-bodies or stress granules.

Free Research Field

マラリア原虫の分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、マラリア原虫の一部のRNA結合タンパク質において、新規標的RNA同定法であるTRIBE法を適用することが可能であることを示した。本研究で対象としたTZFファミリー分子にはTRIBE法は適用できなかったが、他のRNA結合タンパク質に対しては有用である可能性は十分にあり、他の標的RNA同定法に比して非常に簡便で再現性の高い手法であるため、今後の応用が期待される。TRIBE法を用いることで、マラリア原虫に数多く存在するRNA結合タンパク質の標的RNA同定が可能となれば、マラリア原虫の発育に重要な様々な転写後調節機構の解明に繋がる。