Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection
Published on: June 12, 2014
Apicomplexan AMA1 in host cell invasion: a model at the junction?
Christine R Collins1, Michael J Blackman
1Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK.
Malaria parasite invasion relies on host cell entry, a critical life cycle step. New research questions the established model of the tight junction, the pathway parasites use for invasion.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Parasitology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Host cell invasion is essential for malaria parasite propagation.
- The tight junction is a proposed structure facilitating parasite entry.
- A widely accepted model describes the tight junction's role.
Discussion:
- Giovannini et al. (2011) challenge the prevailing tight junction invasion model.
- The study questions the structural and functional validity of this model.
- Re-evaluation of parasite invasion mechanisms is necessary.
Key Insights:
- The established model of tight junction-mediated malaria parasite invasion may be inaccurate.
- Evidence suggests alternative or modified pathways for host cell entry.
- This research prompts a critical review of fundamental concepts in malaria pathogenesis.
Outlook:
- Further studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of malaria parasite invasion.
- Understanding these pathways could reveal new therapeutic targets.
- Accurate models are crucial for developing effective anti-malarial strategies.
More Related Videos
09:25An Endothelial Planar Cell Model for Imaging Immunological Synapse Dynamics
Published on: December 24, 2015
12:15The C. elegans Intestine As a Model for Intercellular Lumen Morphogenesis and In Vivo Polarized Membrane Biogenesis at the Single-cell Level: Labeling by Antibody Staining, RNAi Loss-of-function Analysis and Imaging
Published on: October 3, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Anchoring Junctions
Activation of Integrins
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.