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Methods to Investigate the Regulatory Role of Small RNAs and Ribosomal Occupancy of Plasmodium falciparum
Published on: December 4, 2015
Dealing with change: the different microenvironments faced by the malarial parasite.
Chetan E Chitnis1, Henry M Staines
1International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India.
Molecular Microbiology
|February 21, 2013
Summary
Plasmodium falciparum parasites can grow in various ionic conditions, challenging the necessity of host cell ion changes for parasite development. This suggests alternative signals regulate parasite growth and egress.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Intra-erythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum development involves significant changes in host erythrocyte cytosol composition.
- Previously, these ionic alterations were thought to be essential for parasite survival and growth.
- Low potassium environments are known regulators of parasite egress and secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the necessity of host cell cationic composition changes for Plasmodium falciparum growth in vitro.
- To explore alternative signaling mechanisms regulating parasite egress and growth in diverse ionic environments.
- To identify potential novel anti-malarial targets by understanding parasite ion tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Culturing asexual blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites in vitro.
- Utilizing media with broad ranges of ionic constituents.
- Observing parasite growth and development under varied ionic conditions.
Main Results:
- Plasmodium falciparum parasites grew unhindered in media with wide variations in ionic constituents.
- Changes in host erythrocyte cationic composition are not essential for parasite growth.
- Alternative signals, beyond low potassium, likely regulate parasite egress and growth.
Conclusions:
- Parasite growth is not strictly dependent on host cell ionic modifications.
- The parasite possesses mechanisms to sense and tolerate diverse ionic environments.
- Further research into these mechanisms may reveal new anti-malarial strategies.
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