Danushka S. Marapana

Dual plasmepsin IX and X inhibitors are refractory to development of resistance

This study evaluates resistance development to PMX-selective and dual PMIX/X inhibitors in Plasmodium falciparum, finding that dual inhibitors have a higher resistance barrier.

Targeting PTRAMP-CSS potently inhibits P. falciparum across blood, liver and mosquito stages

This study shows that targeting PTRAMP-CSS inhibits Plasmodium falciparum across liver, blood, and mosquito stages, supporting its potential as a multistage vaccine target.

Molecular basis for the role of Ripr in Plasmodium falciparum invasion of human erythrocytes

This study identifies EGF7 in PfRipr as a critical domain for inhibiting Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte invasion and provides a basis for vaccine design.

Formation of the moving junction is the nexus for host cytoskeletal remodelling during Plasmodium falciparum invasion of human erythrocytes

This study investigates how Plasmodium falciparum bypasses the erythrocyte cytoskeleton during invasion by analyzing the timing of cytoskeletal disassembly and apical organelle release using lattice light sheet microscopy.

Deconvolution of the on-target activity of plasmepsin V peptidomimetics in P. falciparum parasites

This study investigates the on-target activity of plasmepsin V peptidomimetics in Plasmodium falciparum by combining chemoproteomic methods and genetic validation.