Comparative Plasmodium gene overexpression reveals distinct perturbation of sporozoite transmission by profilin

摘要: Plasmodium relies on actin-based motility to migrate from the site of infection and invade target cells. Using a substrate-dependent gliding locomotion, sporozoites are able move at fast speed (1-3 μm/s). This minimal set actin regulatory proteins occurs in absence detectable filamentous (F-actin). Here we report an overexpression strategy investigate whether perturbations F-actin steady-state levels affect locomotion host invasion. We selected two vital berghei G-actin-binding proteins, C-CAP profilin, combination with three stage-specific promoters mapped phenotypes afforded by all extracellular motile stages. show that merozoites ookinetes, additional expression does not impair life cycle progression. In marked contrast, profilin impairs circular salivary gland The propensity for productive correlates accumulation parasite tip, as revealed combinations actin-stabilizing drug transgenic parasites. Strong but C-CAP, resulted complete arrest. Comparative is alternative experimental genetic study essential genes reveals effects imbalances uncovered deletion-mutant phenotyping.