The PfAlba1 RNA-binding protein is an important regulator of translational timing in Plasmodium falciparum blood stages.

Transcriptome-wide ribosome occupancy studies have suggested that during the intra-erythrocytic lifecycle of Plasmodium falciparum， select mRNAs are post-transcriptionally regulated. A subset of these encodes parasite virulence factors required for invading host erythrocytes， and are currently being developed as vaccine candidates. However， the molecular mechanisms that govern post-transcriptional regulation are currently unknown.