Some cell-based experiments have attempted to address these questions. Lanzer and colleagues successfully expressed PfCRT in oocytes and measured pH, membrane potential and certain ion conductances across the oocyte membrane [83] . They noted that oocytes expressing PfCRT exhibited an altered transmembrane pH gradient and membrane potential due to H + leak and somewhat nonspecific cation conductance. They proposed that PfCRT activates endogenous oocyte ion transporters in some way. Multiple molecular models that explain these observations are possible, but overall the data further highlight a role for PfCRT in ion and/or osmolyte traffic.