Plasmodium falciparum Mei2-like protein (PfMei2) (PfMei2)

Plasmodium falciparum Mei2-like protein (PfMei2) is an essential RNA-binding protein belonging to the Mei2 family, which is known to regulate meiosis in yeast and development in plants (Waller et al., 2010, PubMed: 20110500). In the context of malaria, PfMei2 is primarily expressed during the liver stage of the parasite's life cycle and is critical for the successful maturation of liver-stage schizonts into merozoites (Shrestha et al., 2020, PubMed: 32694135). The protein contains characteristic RNA Recognition Motifs (RRMs) that allow it to interact with specific RNA transcripts, likely regulating their stability or translation to drive developmental transitions. Because PfMei2 is essential for the liver stage—a "bottleneck" in the malaria life cycle—it is considered a promising target for prophylactic drugs aimed at preventing the symptomatic blood stage of the infection. Currently, there are no clinical-stage drugs targeting PfMei2, but its unique structure compared to human RNA-binding proteins offers a potential window for selective inhibition. Research continues to explore its role in gametocytogenesis, which could also make it a target for transmission-blocking interventions.

Other names

Mei2-like proteinPfMLPRNA-binding protein Mei2-likePF3D7_1028100

Inhibition of RNA-binding activity or disruption of the protein's role in life-cycle stage transitions, particularly in the liver stage or during gametocyte maturation.