Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
10:22
Methods to Investigate the Regulatory Role of Small RNAs and Ribosomal Occupancy of Plasmodium falciparum
Published on: December 4, 2015
Sickle cell microRNAs inhibit the malaria parasite
Manoj T Duraisingh1, Harvey F Lodish
1Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. mduraisi@hsph.harvard.edu
Cell Host & Microbe
|August 21, 2012
Summary
Sickle cell hemoglobin provides malaria resistance. A microRNA in sickle red blood cells inhibits malaria parasite growth by altering parasite mRNA.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Sickle cell hemoglobin is known to confer resistance against malaria.
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying this innate immunity are not fully understood.
Discussion:
- LaMonte et al. reveal that a microRNA enriched in sickle red blood cells is translocated into the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.
- This microRNA is covalently incorporated into P. falciparum messenger RNAs (mRNAs).
Key Insights:
- The study demonstrates a novel mechanism of innate immunity against malaria.
- MicroRNA incorporation into parasite mRNA directly inhibits parasite growth.
Outlook:
- Further research can explore therapeutic strategies targeting this microRNA pathway.
- Understanding this interaction may lead to new anti-malarial drug development.
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