Defining the role and therapeutic potential of inhibiting the essential malaria parasite protein kinase PfCLK1
Supervisors:
Andrew Paul Waters, School of Infection & Immunity, University of Glasgow
Industry Partner - Keltic Pharma Therapeutics Ltd
Summary:
The challenge facing many lower and middle income countries in malaria endemic areas is the prospect that the world is becoming resistant to frontline anti-malarial medicines. As a result, we are in a race to develop the next generation of anti-malarials that act through a novel mechanism of action to that of current treatments. We have been addressing this problem by testing the hypothesis that inhibiting parasite protein kinases that are essential for parasite survival is an alternative therapeutic strategy from current treatments. In this project we will test this hypothesis by the investigation of the biological role of the malarial protein kinase PfCLK1.
Using a range of techniques that include molecular parasitology and medicinal chemistry approaches we will aim to test the notion that inhibiting the action of PfCLK1 is a valid drug treatment strategy that will deliver not only a cure but also block transmission of malaria. Working with our industrial partner Keltic Pharma Therapeutics Ltd, the world’s only biotechnology company, whose primary focus is to develop a cure for malaria, the student will not only have access to bespoke inhibitors to PfCLK1 but gain experience of the biotechnology sector through a 6 month placement with the company. In this way the student will learn how to translate fundamental understanding of a biological process (i.e. phosphorylation driven by PfCLK1) to an impactful drug discovery programme.