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Systematic analysis of Plasmodium myosins reveals differential expression, localisation, and function in invasive and

Richard J Wall1, Mohammad Zeeshan1, Nicholas J Katris2

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

Cellular Microbiology
|July 9, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study characterizes Plasmodium myosins, revealing diverse roles in malaria parasite motility and invasion. MyoE is crucial for sporozoite traversal, while MyoF and MyoK are vital for asexual blood stages.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Parasitology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The myosin superfamily are actin-dependent molecular motors crucial for eukaryotic cellular functions.
  • Knowledge of myosin functions in Plasmodium, the malaria parasite, is limited.
  • Three Class XIV myosins exist in Plasmodium, with MyoA essential for motility and invasion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the remaining Plasmodium myosins throughout the parasite life cycle.
  • To elucidate the diverse expression patterns, cellular locations, and essential functions of these myosins.
  • To understand the role of actomyosin motors in Apicomplexan parasites, particularly Plasmodium.

Main Methods:

  • Gene deletion studies were performed to assess myosin essentiality.
  • Expression patterns and cellular localization of myosins were analyzed.
  • The function of specific myosins (MyoB, MyoE, MyoF, MyoJ, MyoK) was investigated.

Main Results:

  • MyoB and MyoE (Class XIV) are expressed in all invasive stages, with apical and basal localization, respectively.
  • MyoE is involved in sporozoite traversal; MyoF and MyoK are likely essential in asexual blood stages.
  • MyoJ and MyoB are not essential, though MyoB and its light chain (MCL-B) localize apically in ookinetes.

Conclusions:

  • Plasmodium myosins exhibit diverse expression and localization, indicating specialized roles.
  • Specific myosins are critical for distinct stages of Plasmodium development and infectivity.
  • This research enhances understanding of actomyosin motor functions in malaria parasite motility and invasion.

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