Molecular approaches to new antimalarial strategies
HeadS of the team
Prof. Rachel Cerdan and Dr Ana Rita Gomes
Research interests
Our research is devoted to the analysis of molecular, biochemical and cellular processes of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum with the aim to identify essential steps that we can then exploit for the development of new future antimalarial drugs. Our domains of interest are the phospholipid metabolism and the regulation of cell cycle and cell fate decisions in malaria parasites.
Our group has greatly contributed to the elucidation of the PL metabolic pathways present in the malaria parasite and has exploited this knowledge for the development of antimalarial compounds that target the parasite PL metabolism (development of a choline analogue (T3/albitiazolium) up to Clinical Phase II in collaboration with Sanofi).
The objective of our current research is to deepen our understanding of the biology of the malaria parasite, and thereby identify essential components of this metabolism.
The ultimate goal of our fundamental research is the discovery of essential processes that we can then exploit for the development of new and potent antimalarial drugs. Our group is continuously active in antimalarial drug testing and drug development given our long standing expertise in this field.
The team is currently developing of 3 research themes:
- Theme 1 – Plasmodium phospholipid metabolism and antimalarial strategies (PIs Rachel Cerdan, Sharon Wein, Kai Wengelnik)
- Theme 2 – Cell cycle regulation and cell fate decisions in malaria parasites (PI Ana Rita Gomes)
- Theme 3 – Development of new antimalarial compounds (PIs Rachel Cerdan, Sharon Wein, Kai Wengelnik)