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Induction of malaria parasite migration by synthetically tunable microenvironments
Nadine Perschmann1, Janina Kristin Hellmann, Friedrich Frischknecht
1Department of New Materials and Biosystems, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, University of Heidelberg, Heisenbergstrasse 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
Malaria parasite (Plasmodium sporozoites) migration depends on specific spacing of adhesion sites on surfaces. Optimal migration occurs with 55-100 nm spacing, and on stiffer materials, revealing key environmental factors for infection establishment.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Parasitology
Background:
- Plasmodium sporozoites, the malaria parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, require interaction with their microenvironment for infection.
- Sporozoite migration relies on actin-myosin dynamics and adhesion to the extracellular matrix via transmembrane receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the microenvironmental characteristics (adhesion site spacing and substrate stiffness) that favor Plasmodium sporozoite adhesion and motility.
- To investigate the role of adhesion formation and turnover in regulating sporozoite migration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a tunable hydrogel system decorated with gold nanostructures with controlled interparticle spacing as adhesion sites.
- Investigated sporozoite adhesion and migration on substrates with varying adhesion site densities and stiffness.
- Assessed parasite resilience to actin cytoskeleton disruption and motility in the absence of serum albumin.
Main Results:
- Optimal sporozoite migration and resilience to actin disruption occurred on substrates with adhesion sites spaced 55-100 nm apart.
- Sporozoite motility was more efficient on stiff, bonelike interfaces compared to soft, skinlike ones.
- Motility was comparable on RGD- and RGE-peptide functionalized substrates, suggesting adhesion formation is sufficient for migration activation.
Conclusions:
- Adhesion site spacing and substrate stiffness are critical parameters controlling Plasmodium sporozoite migration.
- Adhesion formation, rather than specific ligand interactions, is sufficient to initiate migration.
- Material properties of the microenvironment play a significant role in modulating sporozoite adhesion and motility, crucial for malaria infection.
