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Redox interactome in malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Savitri Tiwari1, Nivedita Sharma1, Guru Prasad Sharma2
1Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.
Parasitology Research
|January 18, 2021
Summary
Plasmodium falciparum combats oxidative stress using a complex redox network involving thioredoxin and glutathione systems. This review details the parasite
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Parasitology
- Redox Biology
Background:
- Plasmodium falciparum causes significant global morbidity and mortality.
- Parasite growth in erythrocytes generates reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress.
- The parasite lacks catalase and classical glutathione peroxidase, relying on alternative antioxidant systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological functions of Plasmodium falciparum's redox network.
- To summarize current knowledge on the parasite's antioxidant systems.
- To elucidate the role of redox proteins in parasite survival.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Plasmodium falciparum redox biology.
- Analysis of the thioredoxin and glutathione systems.
- Examination of peroxiredoxin functions and localizations.
Main Results:
- Plasmodium falciparum utilizes an NADPH-dependent thioredoxin and glutathione system for antioxidant defense.
- A complex network of five peroxiredoxins is crucial for maintaining redox balance.
- The parasite possesses multiple thioredoxin superfamily members with overlapping functions.
Conclusions:
- The intricate redox network is essential for Plasmodium falciparum survival during its erythrocytic stage.
- Understanding these systems offers potential targets for antimalarial drug development.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize the functional interactions within the redox network.
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