Albina's research interest is in post-transcriptional gene regulation and is currently a postdoc at the Oliver Billker lab.
Albina obtained her PhD from Heidelberg University, Germany in the field of RNA Biology where she investigated the role of mRNA processing in regulation of gene expression using the model organism and parasite Trypanosoma brucei.
After her graduate studies, she joined Oliver Billker lab and her research focuses on understanding mechanisms behind post-transcriptional gene regulation in the sexual development of Plasmodium, the parasite responsible for malaria. Post-transcriptional control plays a crucial role in the transmission of the parasite from the host to the vector, yet much remains unknown about the specific mechanisms involved. To understand these mechanisms, she is developing a targeted knock-out screen to find genes important for regulating translation of maternal mRNAs.
Additionally, she is collaborating with Ellen Bushell lab to develop a homing CRISPR method that will enable the study of genes essential for zygote development. The findings from her work are anticipated to contribute to our understanding of genes essential for Plasmodium survival during transmission. Ultimately, this knowledge may inform the development of much-needed therapies for malaria infection.