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LCCL protein complex formation in Plasmodium is critically dependent on LAP1.
Annie Z Tremp1, Vikram Sharma2, Victoria Carter1
1Pathogen Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology
|April 18, 2017
Summary
Six LCCL lectin domain adhesive-like proteins (LAPs) are crucial for malaria parasite transmission. This study reveals how these Plasmodium berghei proteins assemble into essential complexes for parasite development and mosquito transmission.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Parasitology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
Background:
- Sporogony of Plasmodium berghei in mosquitoes depends on six LCCL lectin domain adhesive-like proteins (LAPs).
- LAPs localize to the parasite's crystalloid organelle during ookinete development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactions and assembly dynamics of LAP proteins during Plasmodium berghei development.
- To understand the role of LAPs in crystalloid biogenesis and sporozoite transmission.
Main Methods:
- Generated parasite lines expressing reporter-tagged LAPs.
- Employed affinity purification and label-free quantitative mass spectrometry.
- Analyzed protein complex formation in gametocytes and post-fertilization stages.
Main Results:
- Identified abundant complexes of LAP1, LAP2, and LAP3 in gametocytes via high avidity interactions.
- Demonstrated recruitment of LAP4, LAP5, and LAP6 to the complex post-fertilization.
- Showed LAP1, via its scavenger receptor cysteine-rich modules, facilitates the recruitment of LAP4-6.
Conclusions:
- Elucidated the temporal and molecular mechanisms of LAP complex formation.
- Provided insights into crystalloid biogenesis essential for malaria parasite transmission.
- Highlighted the critical role of LAP protein interactions in the Plasmodium berghei life cycle.