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Detergent-resistant erythrocyte membrane rafts are modified by a Plasmodium falciparum infection
Eriko Nagao1, Karl B Seydel, James A Dvorak
1Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 4, Room 126, 4 Center Drive MSC 0425, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA.
Abstract:
Detergent resistant membranes (DRMs) have been implicated in numerous cellular processes including signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and molecular sorting. Flotillins-1 and -2 have recently been shown to be large components of erythrocyte DRMs. In this study, we show that a Plasmodium falciparum infection disrupts the association of flotillins with erythrocyte DRMs. Flotillins are probably released from erythrocyte DRMs through the reduction of cholesterol and sphingomyelin levels during the course of a P. falciparum-infection. Although it is well known that a P. falciparum infection can modify the host erythrocyte membrane, this is the first report that P. falciparum can alter the DRM components of erythrocyte membranes.
Insights
Plasmodium falciparum infection disrupts flotillin proteins in red blood cell detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs). This malaria parasite alters erythrocyte DRMs by reducing cholesterol and sphingomyelin levels.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Parasitology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) are crucial for cellular processes like signal transduction and membrane trafficking.
- Flotillins-1 and -2 are known major components of erythrocyte DRMs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Plasmodium falciparum infection on the association of flotillins with erythrocyte DRMs.
- To determine if P. falciparum alters the composition of erythrocyte DRMs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of erythrocyte membrane components in P. falciparum-infected cells.
- Biochemical assays to assess cholesterol and sphingomyelin levels.
- Western blotting to detect flotillin presence in DRMs.
Main Results:
- Plasmodium falciparum infection was found to disrupt the association of flotillins-1 and -2 with erythrocyte DRMs.
- A reduction in cholesterol and sphingomyelin levels was observed in infected erythrocytes.
- Flotillins were likely released from DRMs due to these lipid level changes.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence that Plasmodium falciparum infection alters the protein composition of erythrocyte DRMs.
- The malaria parasite modifies host erythrocyte membranes by affecting DRM components, potentially impacting cellular functions.