Differential BN analysis of cytoadherence complexes in P. falciparum

The pathogenesis of severe malaria has been associated with the ability of P. falciparum infected erythrocyte binding to host endothelium (a process known as cytoadherence) but the mechanisms underlying this have not been clearly described. To understand more about the molecular components that allow the parasite to modulate the behaviour of host endothelium and interact with endothelial molecules, we have used a combined proteomic technique of protein separation (1D Blue-Native electrophoresis) and mass spectrometry to study the interaction of infected erythrocytes (IE) with endothelial cells (EC) in a co-culture system.