Imaging Plasmodium falciparum-infected ghost and parasite by atomic force microscopy

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Parasitology

Background:

• The membrane cytoskeleton network is crucial for red blood cell structure and function.
• Plasmodium falciparum infection alters red blood cell properties, impacting disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structural changes in the membrane cytoskeleton of red blood cells infected with Plasmodium falciparum using atomic force microscopy.
• To compare the membrane thickness and surface morphology of normal and infected red blood cells.

Main Methods:

• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to image air-dried preparations of normal and P. falciparum-infected red blood cell ghosts.
• Quantitative measurements of membrane thickness and surface features were performed.

Main Results:

• The spectrin network structure was altered in P. falciparum-infected red blood cell ghosts compared to normal ghosts.
• The average thickness of P. falciparum-infected red blood cell membranes (22.97 ± 3.84 nm) was significantly greater than that of normal red blood cell membranes (15.05 ± 2.27 nm).
• Infected ghosts exhibited particle-like protrusions (0.2–0.7 micron) and the parasite surface showed a large protrusion.

Conclusions:

• Plasmodium falciparum infection induces significant structural modifications to the red blood cell membrane cytoskeleton.
• These structural changes, including increased membrane thickness and surface protrusions, may contribute to altered red blood cell mechanics during malaria infection.