https://events.stanford.edu/event/microbiology-immunology-wednesday-seminar-emily-derbyshire-interdisciplinary-approaches-to-reveal-malaria-parasite-vulnerabilities
## Proteomics Approach to Plasmodium
A proteomics approach studies all proteins expressed by Plasmodium to understand how it causes malaria and how it can be targeted.
# Core Methods
1. Mass Spectrometry (MS)
- Tool: LC-MS/MS
- Identifies thousands of proteins
- Detects protein modifications
2. Stage-Specific Proteomics
- Sporozoite (mosquito stage)
- Liver stage
- Merozoite (blood stage)
- Gametocyte (transmission stage)
Each stage expresses different proteins
3. Quantitative Proteomics
- Measures protein abundance
- Methods: SILAC, label-free
- Tracks changes during infection or treatment
4. Subcellular Proteomics
- Focus on organelles:
- Apicoplast
- Rhoptries & micronemes
- Good drug targets (not found in humans)
5. Host–Parasite Interaction
- Studies how parasite proteins modify red blood cells
- Identifies exported survival proteins
# Key Discoveries
- Vaccine targets (e.g., CSP)
- Drug resistance pathways
- PTEX protein export system
- Immune evasion strategies
# Why Proteomics Matters
- Genomics = potential
- Proteomics = real-time activity
# Challenges
- Low parasite protein levels
- Host protein contamination
- Complex life cycle
# Bottom Line
Proteomics provides a real-time functional map of Plasmodium, enabling drug and vaccine development.
