RALP1 is critical for Plasmodium falciparum merozoite invasion of erythrocytes

RALP1 plays critical roles in both Plasmodium falciparum development and host cell invasion. As an apical rhoptry-localized protein, RALP1 not only translocates to the tight junction to directly mediate invasion, but also regulates the expression of key invasion-related effectors, thereby orchestrating erythrocyte entry through multiple mechanisms. As conservation and specificity of RALP1 in Plasmodium species, elucidating its precise biological functions will not only deepen our understanding of erythrocyte invasion mechanisms but also provide novel therapeutic targets. Overall design: RNA-seq profiling was performed on Plasmodium falciparum at distinct intraerythrocytic stages (ring and schizont).