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Release of Plasmodium sporozoites requires proteins with histone-fold dimerization domains

Author

Listed:
  • Chiara Currà

    (Foundation for Research and Technology—Hellas, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology)

  • Renate Gessmann

    (Foundation for Research and Technology—Hellas, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology)

  • Tomasino Pace

    (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate)

  • Leonardo Picci

    (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate)

  • Giulia Peruzzi

    (University of Perugia)

  • Vassiliki Varamogianni-Mamatsi

    (Foundation for Research and Technology—Hellas, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology)

  • Lefteris Spanos

    (Foundation for Research and Technology—Hellas, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology)

  • Célia R. S. Garcia

    (Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo)

  • Roberta Spaccapelo

    (University of Perugia)

  • Marta Ponzi

    (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate)

  • Inga Siden-Kiamos

    (Foundation for Research and Technology—Hellas, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology)

Abstract

The sporozoite, the stage of the malaria parasite transmitted by the mosquito, first develops for ∼2 weeks in an oocyst. Rupture of the oocyst capsule is required for release of sporozoites, which then transfer to the salivary gland where they are injected into a new host. Here we identify two parasite proteins that we call oocyst rupture proteins 1 (ORP1) and ORP2. These proteins have a histone-fold domain (HFD) that promotes heterodimer formation in the oocyst capsule at the time of rupture. Oocyst rupture is prevented in mutants lacking either protein. Mutational analysis confirms the HFD as essential for ORP1 and ORP2 function, and heterodimer formation was verified in vitro. These two proteins are potential targets for blocking transmission of the parasite in the mosquito.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiara Currà & Renate Gessmann & Tomasino Pace & Leonardo Picci & Giulia Peruzzi & Vassiliki Varamogianni-Mamatsi & Lefteris Spanos & Célia R. S. Garcia & Roberta Spaccapelo & Marta Ponzi & Inga Siden, 2016. "Release of Plasmodium sporozoites requires proteins with histone-fold dimerization domains," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms13846
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13846
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