Richárd Bártfai

A system for functional studies of the major virulence factor of malaria parasites

The paper develops a system to study PfEMP1, a key malaria parasite virulence factor, by generating parasites expressing a single PfEMP1 variant and enabling genome edits to investigate its function.

Modulation of host signalling pathways reveal a major role for Wnt signalling in the maturation of Plasmodium falciparum liver schizonts

The paper identifies Wnt signaling as critical for Plasmodium falciparum liver schizont maturation by using a novel medium to maintain hepatocyte functionality and analyze host-parasite interactions.

Jumonji-C domain containing demethylase 1 is critical for heterochromatin organization in Plasmodium falciparum

This study identifies PfJmjC1 as a key regulator of heterochromatin organization in Plasmodium falciparum, showing its role in genome architecture and parasite life cycle.

Protein landscape of the chromatin states in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

The paper presents a proteomic characterization of chromatin states in Plasmodium falciparum using proximity-labelling approaches, identifying 214 proteins and validating new chromatin components and functions.

The Plasmodium falciparum histone methyltransferase PfSET10 is dispensable for the regulation of antigenic variation and gene expression in blood stage parasites

This study shows that PfSET10 is not required for var gene expression, antigenic variation, or blood stage parasite survival.

CUT&Tag and DiBioCUT&Tag enable investigation of the AT-rich and dynamic epigenome of Plasmodium falciparum from low input samples.

The paper introduces CUT&Tag and DiBioCUT&Tag methods to profile the epigenome of Plasmodium falciparum from low-input samples, improving upon ChIP-seq limitations.

Integrative omics analysis reveals gene regulatory mechanisms distinguishing organoid-derived hepatocytes from primary human hepatocytes

The paper identifies gene regulatory differences between primary human hepatocytes and organoid-derived hepatocytes using integrative omics analysis.

Epigenetically-regulated RNA-binding proteins signify malaria hypnozoite dormancy

The paper identifies epigenetically silenced RNA-binding proteins in malaria hypnozoites and proposes they regulate dormancy and reactivation.

Epigenetic regulation underlying Plasmodium berghei gene expression during its developmental transition from host to vector

The paper investigates epigenetic regulation in Plasmodium berghei during its developmental transition, identifying HP1 and H3K9ac roles in gene expression and uncovering DNA motifs associated with ookinete-specific genes.