| Came to USF: 2007 | Professor |
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Contact Information: Mailing Address: IDRB Suite 304/office 331 Tampa, FL 33612-9415 USA |
Discipline: Molecular and Cell Biology of Parasitic Protozoa |
| Specialization: Duffy Binding Protein | |
| Degrees: Postdoctoral, University of Queensland, National Institutes of Health |
Other Information: |
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Functional Genomics: applications & development of a genetic tool kit for malaria research
Traditional measures to control and cure malaria are becoming increasingly ineffective, and there is an urgent need for the development of new drugs and vaccines. Genomic studies and other hi-tech advances have produced a wealth of information about malaria parasites, yet using this information for functional analysis of the Plasmodium genome is hindered by a limited capability to genetically manipulate these organisms. My laboratory has developed an efficient transposon-based (piggyBac) method for parasite transformation, thereby opening the door to forward genetic studies of malaria parasites. We are developing piggyBac as a rapid random mutagenesis system for large-scale, whole genome screens of P. falciparum. The long-term goal is to rapidly establish functional genomics as a method to better understand Plasmodium biology and accelerate development of new therapies against malaria. These studies were initiated as part of NIH grant R01 AI033656 and are currently funded in part by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and in part by NIH grant R21 AI070888. Persons interested in using piggyBac for malaria research or for other apicomplexan species, please click here for the MTA. Or click here to find other information. Applications of piggyBac can be obtained from my colleague, Dr. Malcolm Fraser, Jr., the discoverer of this transposon. Selected Publications: Functional Genomics-related Publications Balu B, Shoue DS, Fraser MJ, Adams JH. (2005) High efficiency transformation of Plasmodium falciparum by the lepidopteran transposable element piggyBac. Proceedings of the National Acacemy of Sciences (USA). 102(45):16391-16396. Balu B, Adams JH. (2006). (Invited review) Functional genomics of Plasmodium falciparum thorough forward genetic screens. Cellular Microbiology. 8, 1529-1536. Lobo N, Fraser TS, Adams JH, Fraser MJ Jr. (2006). Interplasmid transposition demonstrates piggyBac mobility in cells of vertebrate species. Genetica, in press. Balu B, Adams JH. (2006). (Invited review) Improved transfection technologies for Plasmodium. International Journal for Parasitology, in press. |
