1
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Araujo-Ruiz K, Mondragón-Flores R. H +-translocating pyrophosphatases in protozoan parasites. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:353. [PMID: 39419910 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Integral membrane pyrophosphatases (mPPases) hydrolyze pyrophosphate. This enzymatic mechanism is coupled with the pumping of H + and/or Na + across membranes, which can be either K + -dependent or K + -independent. Inorganic proton-translocating pyrophosphatases (H + -PPases) can transport protons across cell membranes and are reported in various organisms such as plants, bacteria, and protozoan parasites. The evolutionary implications of these enzymes are of great interest for proposing approaches related to the treatment of parasitic of phytopathogenic diseases. This work presents a literature review on pyrophosphate, pyrophosphatases, their inhibitors and emphasizes H + -PPases found in various medically significant protozoan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, and Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, as well as protozoan species that primarily affect animals, such as Eimeria maxima and Besnoitia besnoiti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Araujo-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508 Col. Zacatenco, Ciudad de México, 07360, México
| | - Ricardo Mondragón-Flores
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508 Col. Zacatenco, Ciudad de México, 07360, México.
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2
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Mohammed M, Dziedziech A, Macedo D, Huppertz F, Veith Y, Postel Z, Christ E, Scheytt R, Slotte T, Henriksson J, Ankarklev J. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal transcriptional programs underlying male and female cell fate during Plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7177. [PMID: 39187486 PMCID: PMC11347709 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51201-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Plasmodium falciparum life cycle includes obligate transition between a human and mosquito host. Gametocytes are responsible for transmission from the human to the mosquito vector where gamete fusion followed by meiosis occurs. To elucidate how male and female gametocytes differentiate in the absence of sex chromosomes, we perform FACS-based cell enrichment of a P. falciparum gametocyte reporter line followed by single-cell RNA-seq. In our analyses we define the transcriptional programs and predict candidate driver genes underlying male and female development, including genes from the ApiAP2 family of transcription factors. A motif-driven, gene regulatory network analysis indicates that AP2-G5 specifically modulates male development. Additionally, genes linked to the inner membrane complex, involved in morphological changes, are uniquely expressed in the female lineage. The transcriptional programs of male and female development detailed herein allow for further exploration of the evolution of sex in eukaryotes and provide targets for future development of transmission blocking therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubasher Mohammed
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Alexis Dziedziech
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Health, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, Paris, France
| | - Diego Macedo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frederik Huppertz
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva Veith
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zoé Postel
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Christ
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Richard Scheytt
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tanja Slotte
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Henriksson
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Integrated Science Lab, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johan Ankarklev
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Microbial Single Cell Genomics Facility, SciLifeLab, Biomedical Center (BMC) Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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3
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Amaral PST, Garcia KKS, Suárez-Mutis MC, Coelho RR, Galardo AK, Murta F, Moresco GG, Siqueira AM, Gurgel-Gonçalves R. Malaria in areas under mining activity in the Amazon: A review. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2024; 57:e002002024. [PMID: 38922216 PMCID: PMC11210384 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0551-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Deforestation and high human mobility due to mining activities have been key to the increase in malaria cases in the Americas. Here, we review the epidemiological and control aspects of malaria in the Amazon mining areas. Epidemiological evidence shows: 1) a positive correlation between illegal mining activity and malaria incidence, mostly in the Amazon region; 2) most Brazilian miners are males aged 15-29 years who move between states and even countries; 3) miners do not fear the disease and rely on medical care, diagnosis, and medication when they become ill; 4) illegal mining has emerged as the most reported anthropogenic activity within indigenous lands and is identified as a major cause of malaria outbreaks among indigenous people in the Amazon; and 5) because mining is largely illegal, most areas are not covered by any healthcare facilities or activities, leading to little assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria. Our review identified five strategies for reducing the malaria incidence in areas with mining activities: 1) reviewing legislation to control deforestation and mining expansion, particularly in indigenous lands; 2) strengthening malaria surveillance by expanding the network of community health agents to support rapid diagnosis and treatment; 3) reinforcing vector control strategies, such as the use of insecticide-treated nets; 4) integrating deforestation alerts into the national malaria control program; and 5) implementing multi-sectoral activities and providing prompt assistance to indigenous populations. With this roadmap, we can expect a decrease in malaria incidence in the Amazonian mining areas in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Sebastian Tavares Amaral
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Klauss Kleydmann Sabino Garcia
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | | | - Ronan Rocha Coelho
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Allan Kardec Galardo
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Instituto de Pesquisas Científicas e Tecnológicas do Estado do Amapá, Macapá, AP, Brasil
| | - Felipe Murta
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Gilberto Gilmar Moresco
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - André Machado Siqueira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia Vetores, Brasília, DF, Brasil
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4
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Mamudu CO, Tebamifor ME, Sule MO, Dokunmu TM, Ogunlana OO, Iheagwam FN. Apicoplast-Resident Processes: Exploiting the Chink in the Armour of Plasmodium falciparum Parasites. Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci 2024; 2024:9940468. [PMID: 38765186 PMCID: PMC11101256 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9940468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of a relict plastid, also known as an apicoplast (apicomplexan plastid), that houses housekeeping processes and metabolic pathways critical to Plasmodium parasites' survival has prompted increased research on identifying potent inhibitors that can impinge on apicoplast-localised processes. The apicoplast is absent in humans, yet it is proposed to originate from the eukaryote's secondary endosymbiosis of a primary symbiont. This symbiotic relationship provides a favourable microenvironment for metabolic processes such as haem biosynthesis, Fe-S cluster synthesis, isoprenoid biosynthesis, fatty acid synthesis, and housekeeping processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and translation, distinct from analogous mammalian processes. Recent advancements in comprehending the biology of the apicoplast reveal it as a vulnerable organelle for malaria parasites, offering numerous potential targets for effective antimalarial therapies. We provide an overview of the metabolic processes occurring in the apicoplast and discuss the organelle as a viable antimalarial target in light of current advances in drug discovery. We further highlighted the relevance of these metabolic processes to Plasmodium falciparum during the different stages of the lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Ojonugwa Mamudu
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Mercy Eyitomi Tebamifor
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Mary Ohunene Sule
- Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi, Nigeria
| | - Titilope Modupe Dokunmu
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Olubanke Olujoke Ogunlana
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant University Public Health and Wellbeing Research Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Franklyn Nonso Iheagwam
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant University Public Health and Wellbeing Research Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
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5
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Dogga SK, Rop JC, Cudini J, Farr E, Dara A, Ouologuem D, Djimdé AA, Talman AM, Lawniczak MKN. A single cell atlas of sexual development in Plasmodium falciparum. Science 2024; 384:eadj4088. [PMID: 38696552 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj4088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The developmental decision made by malaria parasites to become sexual underlies all malaria transmission. Here, we describe a rich atlas of short- and long-read single-cell transcriptomes of over 37,000 Plasmodium falciparum cells across intraerythrocytic asexual and sexual development. We used the atlas to explore transcriptional modules and exon usage along sexual development and expanded it to include malaria parasites collected from four Malian individuals naturally infected with multiple P. falciparum strains. We investigated genotypic and transcriptional heterogeneity within and among these wild strains at the single-cell level, finding differential expression between different strains even within the same host. These data are a key addition to the Malaria Cell Atlas interactive data resource, enabling a deeper understanding of the biology and diversity of transmission stages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesse C Rop
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | - Elias Farr
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antoine Dara
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Point G, P.O. Box, 1805 Bamako, Mali
| | - Dinkorma Ouologuem
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Point G, P.O. Box, 1805 Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye A Djimdé
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Point G, P.O. Box, 1805 Bamako, Mali
| | - Arthur M Talman
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
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6
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Sollelis L, Howick VM, Marti M. Revisiting the determinants of malaria transmission. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:302-312. [PMID: 38443304 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Malaria parasites have coevolved with humans over thousands of years, mirroring their migration out of Africa. They persist to this day, despite continuous elimination efforts worldwide. These parasites can adapt to changing environments during infection of human and mosquito, and when expanding the geographical range by switching vector species. Recent studies in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, identified determinants governing the plasticity of sexual conversion rates, sex ratio, and vector competence. Here we summarize the latest literature revealing environmental, epigenetic, and genetic determinants of malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Sollelis
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection and Immunity University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Virginia M Howick
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection and Immunity University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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7
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Tebben K, Yirampo S, Coulibaly D, Koné AK, Laurens MB, Stucke EM, Dembélé A, Tolo Y, Traoré K, Niangaly A, Berry AA, Kouriba B, Plowe CV, Doumbo OK, Lyke KE, Takala-Harrison S, Thera MA, Travassos MA, Serre D. Gene expression analyses reveal differences in children's response to malaria according to their age. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2021. [PMID: 38448421 PMCID: PMC10918175 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46416-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In Bandiagara, Mali, children experience on average two clinical malaria episodes per year. However, even in the same transmission area, the number of uncomplicated symptomatic infections, and their parasitemia, can vary dramatically among children. We simultaneously characterize host and parasite gene expression profiles from 136 Malian children with symptomatic falciparum malaria and examine differences in the relative proportion of immune cells and parasite stages, as well as in gene expression, associated with infection and or patient characteristics. Parasitemia explains much of the variation in host and parasite gene expression, and infections with higher parasitemia display proportionally more neutrophils and fewer T cells, suggesting parasitemia-dependent neutrophil recruitment and/or T cell extravasation to secondary lymphoid organs. The child's age also strongly correlates with variations in gene expression: Plasmodium falciparum genes associated with age suggest that older children carry more male gametocytes, while variations in host gene expression indicate a stronger innate response in younger children and stronger adaptive response in older children. These analyses highlight the variability in host responses and parasite regulation during P. falciparum symptomatic infections and emphasize the importance of considering the children's age when studying and treating malaria infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Tebben
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Salif Yirampo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Drissa Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye K Koné
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Matthew B Laurens
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily M Stucke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ahmadou Dembélé
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Youssouf Tolo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Karim Traoré
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Niangaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Andrea A Berry
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bourema Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Christopher V Plowe
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ogobara K Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kirsten E Lyke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mahamadou A Thera
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mark A Travassos
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Serre
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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8
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Manata JP, Brochado M, Silva B, Chinchila J, Matos Costa J. Chronic Infection by Plasmodium falciparum. Cureus 2024; 16:e53589. [PMID: 38318275 PMCID: PMC10839545 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria by Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) usually does not exceed one year, but chronic infection, although rare, is a possibility. We present the clinical case of a 37-year-old male who came to the emergency department with intermittent fever, chills, and malaise. He had malaria more than 1 year ago while working in Huíla province, Angola. On admission, Plasmodium testing by light microscopy and antigens was negative. Doxycycline was started empirically, but on the third day of hospitalization, he had a new fever spike. Plasmodium DNA and antibodies were tested, confirming P. falciparum. The therapy with artemether-lumefantrine, already after discharge, allowed the consolidation of the treatment and eradicator of the parasite. Detection of parasite DNA by PCR should not be routine, but it is a more sensitive method, which confirmed this chronic infection by P. falciparum after one year.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marisa Brochado
- Internal Medicine, Hospital Distrital de Santarém, Santarém, PRT
| | - Bernardo Silva
- Internal Medicine, Hospital Distrital de Santarém, Santarém, PRT
| | | | - João Matos Costa
- Internal Medicine, Hospital Distrital de Santarém, Santarém, PRT
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9
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Tebben K, Yirampo S, Coulibaly D, Koné A, Laurens M, Stucke E, Dembélé A, Tolo Y, Traoré K, Niangaly A, Berry A, Kouriba B, Plowe C, Doumbo O, Lyke K, Takala-Harrison S, Thera M, Travassos M, Serre D. Gene expression analyses reveal differences in children's response to malaria according to their age. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3487114. [PMID: 37961587 PMCID: PMC10635353 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3487114/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In Bandiagara, Mali, children experience on average two clinical malaria episodes per season. However, even in the same transmission area, the number of uncomplicated symptomatic infections, and their parasitemia, vary dramatically among children. To examine the factors contributing to these variations, we simultaneously characterized the host and parasite gene expression profiles from 136 children with symptomatic falciparum malaria and analyzed the expression of 9,205 human and 2,484 Plasmodium genes. We used gene expression deconvolution to estimate the relative proportion of immune cells and parasite stages in each sample and to adjust the differential gene expression analyses. Parasitemia explained much of the variation in both host and parasite gene expression and revealed that infections with higher parasitemia had more neutrophils and fewer T cells, suggesting parasitemia-dependent neutrophil recruitment and/or T cell extravasation to secondary lymphoid organs. The child's age was also strongly correlated with gene expression variations. Plasmodium falciparum genes associated with age suggested that older children carried more male gametocytes, while host genes associated with age indicated a stronger innate response (through TLR and NLR signaling) in younger children and stronger adaptive immunity (through TCR and BCR signaling) in older children. These analyses highlight the variability in host responses and parasite regulation during P. falciparum symptomatic infections and emphasize the importance of considering the children's age when studying and treating malaria infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salif Yirampo
- Universite des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
| | - Drissa Coulibaly
- Universite des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
| | - Abdoulaye Koné
- Universite des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
| | | | | | - Ahmadou Dembélé
- Universite des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
| | - Youssouf Tolo
- Universite des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
| | - Karim Traoré
- Universite des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
| | - Ahmadou Niangaly
- Universite des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
| | | | - Bourema Kouriba
- Universite des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
| | | | - Ogobara Doumbo
- Universite des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
| | | | | | - Mahamadou Thera
- Malaria Research and Training Centre-International Center for Excellence in Research (MRTC-ICER)
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10
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Tebben K, Yirampo S, Coulibaly D, Koné AK, Laurens MB, Stucke EM, Dembélé A, Tolo Y, Traoré K, Niangaly A, Berry AA, Kouriba B, Plowe CV, Doumbo OK, Lyke KE, Takala-Harrison S, Thera MA, Travassos MA, Serre D. Gene expression analyses reveal differences in children's response to malaria according to their age. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.24.563751. [PMID: 37961701 PMCID: PMC10634788 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.563751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In Bandiagara, Mali, children experience on average two clinical malaria episodes per season. However, even in the same transmission area, the number of uncomplicated symptomatic infections, and their parasitemia, vary dramatically among children. To examine the factors contributing to these variations, we simultaneously characterized the host and parasite gene expression profiles from 136 children with symptomatic falciparum malaria and analyzed the expression of 9,205 human and 2,484 Plasmodium genes. We used gene expression deconvolution to estimate the relative proportion of immune cells and parasite stages in each sample and to adjust the differential gene expression analyses. Parasitemia explained much of the variation in both host and parasite gene expression and revealed that infections with higher parasitemia had more neutrophils and fewer T cells, suggesting parasitemia-dependent neutrophil recruitment and/or T cell extravasation to secondary lymphoid organs. The child's age was also strongly correlated with gene expression variations. Plasmodium falciparum genes associated with age suggested that older children carried more male gametocytes, while host genes associated with age indicated a stronger innate response (through TLR and NLR signaling) in younger children and stronger adaptive immunity (through TCR and BCR signaling) in older children. These analyses highlight the variability in host responses and parasite regulation during P. falciparum symptomatic infections and emphasize the importance of considering the children's age when studying and treating malaria infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Tebben
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Salif Yirampo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Drissa Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye K. Koné
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Matthew B. Laurens
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Emily M. Stucke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Ahmadou Dembélé
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Youssouf Tolo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Karim Traoré
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Niangaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Andrea A. Berry
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Bourema Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Christopher V. Plowe
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Ogobara K Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Kirsten E. Lyke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Mahamadou A. Thera
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies; Bamako, Mali
| | - Mark A. Travassos
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - David Serre
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
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11
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Ford A, Kepple D, Williams J, Kolesar G, Ford CT, Abebe A, Golassa L, Janies DA, Yewhalaw D, Lo E. Gene Polymorphisms Among Plasmodium vivax Geographical Isolates and the Potential as New Biomarkers for Gametocyte Detection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:789417. [PMID: 35096643 PMCID: PMC8793628 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.789417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique biological features of Plasmodium vivax not only make it difficult to control but also to eliminate. For the transmission of the malaria parasite from infected human to the vector, gametocytes play a major role. The transmission potential of a malarial infection is inferred based on microscopic detection of gametocytes and molecular screening of genes in the female gametocytes. Microscopy-based detection methods could grossly underestimate the reservoirs of infection as gametocytes may occur as submicroscopic or as micro- or macro-gametocytes. The identification of genes that are highly expressed and polymorphic in male and female gametocytes is critical for monitoring changes not only in their relative proportions but also the composition of gametocyte clones contributing to transmission over time. Recent transcriptomic study revealed two distinct clusters of highly correlated genes expressed in the P. vivax gametocytes, indicating that the male and female terminal gametocytogeneses are independently regulated. However, the detective power of these genes is unclear. In this study, we compared genetic variations of 15 and 11 genes expressed, respectively, in the female and male gametocytes among P. vivax isolates from Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Further, we constructed phylogenetic trees to determine the resolution power and clustering patterns of gametocyte clones. As expected, Pvs25 (PVP01_0616100) and Pvs16 (PVP01_0305600) expressed in the female gametocytes were highly conserved in all geographical isolates. In contrast, genes including 6-cysteine protein Pvs230 (PVP01_0415800) and upregulated in late gametocytes ULG8 (PVP01_1452800) expressed in the female gametocytes, as well as two CPW-WPC family proteins (PVP01_1215900 and PVP01_1320100) expressed in the male gametocytes indicated considerably high nucleotide and haplotype diversity among isolates. Parasite samples expressed in male and female gametocyte genes were observed in separate phylogenetic clusters and likely represented distinct gametocyte clones. Compared to Pvs25, Pvs230 (PVP01_0415800) and a CPW-WPC family protein (PVP01_0904300) showed higher expression in a subset of Ethiopian P. vivax samples. Thus, Pvs230, ULG8, and CPW-WPC family proteins including PVP01_0904300, PVP01_1215900, and PVP01_1320100 could potentially be used as novel biomarkers for detecting both sexes of P. vivax gametocytes in low-density infections and estimating transmission reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Ford
- Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Daniel Kepple
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan Williams
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Gabrielle Kolesar
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Colby T Ford
- Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States.,School of Data Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Abnet Abebe
- Department of Parasitology, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel A Janies
- Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Tropical and Infectious Disease Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.,School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Eugenia Lo
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States.,School of Data Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
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12
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Besednova NN, Zaporozhets TS, Andryukov BG, Kryzhanovsky SP, Ermakova SP, Kuznetsova TA, Voronova AN, Shchelkanov MY. Antiparasitic Effects of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Marine Hydrobionts. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:637. [PMID: 34822508 PMCID: PMC8624348 DOI: 10.3390/md19110637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review presents materials characterizing sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) of marine hydrobionts (algae and invertebrates) as potential means for the prevention and treatment of protozoa and helminthiasis. The authors have summarized the literature on the pathogenetic targets of protozoa on the host cells and on the antiparasitic potential of polysaccharides from red, brown and green algae as well as certain marine invertebrates. Information about the mechanisms of action of these unique compounds in diseases caused by protozoa has also been summarized. SPS is distinguished by high antiparasitic activity, good solubility and an almost complete absence of toxicity. In the long term, this allows for the consideration of these compounds as effective and attractive candidates on which to base drugs, biologically active food additives and functional food products with antiparasitic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya N. Besednova
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Tatyana S. Zaporozhets
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Boris G. Andryukov
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 690091 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Sergey P. Kryzhanovsky
- Medical Association of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia;
| | - Svetlana P. Ermakova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia;
| | - Tatyana A. Kuznetsova
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Anastasia N. Voronova
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Mikhail Y. Shchelkanov
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 690091 Vladivostok, Russia
- National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
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13
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Roberds A, Ferraro E, Luckhart S, Stewart VA. HIV-1 Impact on Malaria Transmission: A Complex and Relevant Global Health Concern. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:656938. [PMID: 33912477 PMCID: PMC8071860 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.656938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria/HIV-1 co-infection has become a significant public health problem in the tropics where there is geographical overlap of the two diseases. It is well described that co-infection impacts clinical progression of both diseases; however, less is known about the impact of co-infection on disease transmission. Malaria transmission is dependent upon multiple critical factors, one of which is the presence and viability of the sexual-stage gametocyte. In this review, we summarize evidence surrounding gametocyte production in Plasmodium falciparum and the development factors and the consequential impact that HIV-1 has on malaria parasite transmission. Epidemiological and clinical evidence surrounding anemia, immune dysregulation, and chemotherapy as it pertains to co-infection and gametocyte transmission are reviewed. We discuss significant gaps in understanding that are often due to the biological complexities of both diseases as well as the lack of entomological data necessary to define transmission success. In particular, we highlight special epidemiological populations, such as co-infected asymptomatic gametocyte carriers, and the unique role these populations have in a future focused on malaria elimination and eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Roberds
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Division of Tropical Public Health, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Emily Ferraro
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - V Ann Stewart
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Division of Tropical Public Health, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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14
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Chawla J, Oberstaller J, Adams JH. Targeting Gametocytes of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum in a Functional Genomics Era: Next Steps. Pathogens 2021; 10:346. [PMID: 33809464 PMCID: PMC7999360 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito transmission of the deadly malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is mediated by mature sexual forms (gametocytes). Circulating in the vertebrate host, relatively few intraerythrocytic gametocytes are picked up during a bloodmeal to continue sexual development in the mosquito vector. Human-to-vector transmission thus represents an infection bottleneck in the parasite's life cycle for therapeutic interventions to prevent malaria. Even though recent progress has been made in the identification of genetic factors linked to gametocytogenesis, a plethora of genes essential for sexual-stage development are yet to be unraveled. In this review, we revisit P. falciparum transmission biology by discussing targetable features of gametocytes and provide a perspective on a forward-genetic approach for identification of novel transmission-blocking candidates in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Chawla
- Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, MDC 7, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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15
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Xu Y, Qiao D, Wen Y, Bi Y, Chen Y, Huang Z, Cui L, Guo J, Cao Y. PfAP2-G2 Is Associated to Production and Maturation of Gametocytes in Plasmodium falciparum via Regulating the Expression of PfMDV-1. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:631444. [PMID: 33537025 PMCID: PMC7848025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.631444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gametocyte is the sole form of the Plasmodium falciparum which is transmissible to the mosquito vector. Here, we report that an Apicomplexan Apetala2 (ApiAP2) family transcription factor, PfAP2-G2 (Pf3D7_1408200), plays a role in the development of gametocytes in P. falciparum by regulating the expression of PfMDV-1 (Pf3D7_1216500). Reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that PfAP2-G2 was highly expressed in the ring stage. Indirect immunofluorescence assay showed nuclear localization of PfAP2-G2 in asexual stages. The knockout of PfAP2-G2 led to a ~95% decrease in the number of mature gametocytes with a more substantial influence on the production and maturation of the male gametocytes, resulting in a higher female/male gametocyte ratio. To test the mechanism of this phenotype, RNA-seq and RT-qPCR showed that disruption of PfAP2-G2 led to the down-regulation of male development gene-1 (PfMDV-1) in asexual stages. We further found that PfAP2-G2 was enriched at the transcriptional start site (TSS) of PfMDV-1 by chromatin immunoprecipitation and qPCR assay in both ring stage and schizont stage, which demonstrated that PfMDV-1 is one of the targets of PfAP2-G2. In addition, RT-qPCR also showed that PfAP2-G (Pf3D7_1222600), the master regulator for sexual commitment, was also down-regulated in the PfAP2-G2 knockout parasites in the schizont stage, but no change in the ring stage. This phenomenon suggested that PfAP2-G2 played a role at the asexual stage for the development of parasite gametocytes and warrants further investigations in regulatory pathways of PfAP2-G2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaozheng Xu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhao Wen
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Bi
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yuxi Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhenghui Huang
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jian Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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16
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Sato S. Plasmodium-a brief introduction to the parasites causing human malaria and their basic biology. J Physiol Anthropol 2021; 40:1. [PMID: 33413683 PMCID: PMC7792015 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-020-00251-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most devastating infectious diseases of humans. It is problematic clinically and economically as it prevails in poorer countries and regions, strongly hindering socioeconomic development. The causative agents of malaria are unicellular protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. These parasites infect not only humans but also other vertebrates, from reptiles and birds to mammals. To date, over 200 species of Plasmodium have been formally described, and each species infects a certain range of hosts. Plasmodium species that naturally infect humans and cause malaria in large areas of the world are limited to five-P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi. The first four are specific for humans, while P. knowlesi is naturally maintained in macaque monkeys and causes zoonotic malaria widely in South East Asia. Transmission of Plasmodium species between vertebrate hosts depends on an insect vector, which is usually the mosquito. The vector is not just a carrier but the definitive host, where sexual reproduction of Plasmodium species occurs, and the parasite's development in the insect is essential for transmission to the next vertebrate host. The range of insect species that can support the critical development of Plasmodium depends on the individual parasite species, but all five Plasmodium species causing malaria in humans are transmitted exclusively by anopheline mosquitoes. Plasmodium species have remarkable genetic flexibility which lets them adapt to alterations in the environment, giving them the potential to quickly develop resistance to therapeutics such as antimalarials and to change host specificity. In this article, selected topics involving the Plasmodium species that cause malaria in humans are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeharu Sato
- Borneo Medical and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
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17
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Neveu G, Beri D, Kafsack BF. Metabolic regulation of sexual commitment in Plasmodium falciparum. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:93-98. [PMID: 33053503 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For malaria parasites regulating sexual commitment, the frequency with which asexual bloodstream forms differentiate into non-replicative male and female gametocytes, is critical because asexual replication is required to maintain a persistent infection of the human host while gametocytes are essential for infection of the mosquito vector and transmission. Here, we describe recent advances in understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling this key developmental decision. These include new insights into the mechanistic roles of the transcriptional master switch AP2-G and the epigenetic modulator GDV1, as well as the identification of defined metabolic signals that modulate their activity. Many of these metabolites are linked to parasite phospholipid biogenesis and we propose a model linking this pathway to the epigenetic regulation underlying sexual commitment in P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle Neveu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065 USA
| | - Divya Beri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065 USA
| | - Björn Fc Kafsack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065 USA.
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