Scientists have identified a protein called ARK1 (Aurora-related kinase 1) that is essential for the survival and spread of the malaria parasite.[1][2] ARK1 acts as a traffic controller during the unusual process of parasite cell division and growth.[1][2][3] This protein organizes the spindle – the molecular machinery that separates the genetic material to create new parasites.[1][2] In laboratory experiments, when scientists turned off ARK1, the parasite failed to form proper spindles and failed to replicate.[1][2][3] Parasites without ARK1 could not complete their development in the host or in the mosquito, stopping the spread of the disease.[1][2][3] The study was published in the journal Nature Communications and involved researchers from the University of Nottingham, the National Institute of Immunology in India, the University of Groningen and the Francis Crick Institute.[1][2] ARK1 in the parasite differs significantly from the version in human cells.[1] The discovery provides a target for future antimalarial drugs.[1][2]