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His group works on genetic approaches to study gene function. Based on extensive experience with yeast as a model organism to dissect complex cellular pathways, K. Matuschewski then joined the Plasmodium community to apply reverse genetics to study parasite-host interactions. His initial main objective in the laboratory of Victor Nussenzweig has been the functional analysis of sporozoite host cell invasion. Now, he combines the rodent malaria model system with Plasmodium falciparum mosquito stages to compare the two species with respect to stage specific gene expression, mechanisms of host cell entry and intracellular hepatic development. The P. berghei and P. falciparum transfection technology will allow for transgene expression of candidate genes. For instance, function of genes, which are specific to human malaria species, can be tested in a transgenic model. Stage-specific genes that are non-vital throughout erythrytic schizogony can be targeted in P. falciparum. Large-scale purification of Plasmodium mosquito stages has been successfully employed to identify novel molecules that may play a crucial role in the balanced parasite-host relationship.
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