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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Simple Protocol for Platelet-mediated Clumping of Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes in a Resource Poor Setting

A Simple Protocol for Platelet-mediated Clumping of Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes in a Resource Poor Setting

Published on: May 16, 2013

Malaria parasites do the stick-and-slip shuffle.

Paul R Gilson¹

¹Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia. gilson@burnet.edu.au

Cell Host & Microbe

|December 17, 2009

Summary

Malaria parasites exhibit complex movement patterns, alternating between rapid sprints and slow glides. This locomotion is regulated by secreted adhesive proteins interacting with the parasite's actin cytoskeleton.

Area of Science:

Parasitology
Cell Biology
Biophysics

Background:

The locomotion of the malaria parasite (Plasmodium) is crucial for its transmission and pathogenesis.
Understanding the biophysical mechanisms of parasite movement is key to developing novel intervention strategies.

Discussion:

The study reveals a "stick-and-slip shuffle" mechanism governing malaria parasite motility.
This complex movement is orchestrated by parasite-secreted adhesive proteins interacting with the actin cytoskeleton.

Key Insights:

Malaria parasite movement is not uniform but cyclical, characterized by distinct phases of fast and slow motion.
Parasite-secreted adhesins play a critical role in mediating substrate interaction and enabling motility.
The dynamic actin cytoskeleton is integral to the parasite's ability to generate propulsive forces.

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Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites

Published on: January 3, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Simple Protocol for Platelet-mediated Clumping of Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes in a Resource Poor Setting

A Simple Protocol for Platelet-mediated Clumping of Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes in a Resource Poor Setting

Published on: May 16, 2013

Phenotypic Analysis of Rodent Malaria Parasite Asexual and Sexual Blood Stages and Mosquito Stages

Phenotypic Analysis of Rodent Malaria Parasite Asexual and Sexual Blood Stages and Mosquito Stages

Published on: May 30, 2019

Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites

Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites

Published on: January 3, 2011

Outlook:

Further research into these adhesive proteins and cytoskeletal dynamics could reveal new therapeutic targets.
Investigating the regulation of this motility mechanism may offer insights into parasite invasion and immune evasion.