May 2017 cover
Malaria parasite cell-cycle kinase CRK4 directs continuous DNA replication during schizogony. Image by Markus Ganter; cover design by Samantha Whitham.

Cycle proficiency
In the pathogenic blood stage of infection, Plasmodium falciparum cell-cycle progression is directed by the parasite-specific kinase CRK4. Without active CRK4, DNA replication is inhibited and the nuclei are deformed by spindle-like structures.
Refers to "Plasmodium falciparum CRK4 directs continuous rounds of DNA replication during schizogony" by Ganter et al.