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A Putative Plasmodium RNA-Binding Protein Plays a Critical Role in Female Gamete Fertility and Parasite Transmission to the Mosquito Vector

Authors :
Sudhir Kumar
Biley A. Abatiyow
Meseret T. Haile
Kenza M. Z. Oualim
Amanda S. Leeb
Ashley M. Vaughan
Stefan H.I. Kappe
Source :
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Vol 10 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2022.

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage gametocytes are critical for parasite transmission from the human host to the mosquito vector. Mature gametocytes generate fertile male (micro-) or female (macro-) gametes upon activation inside the mosquito midgut. While a number of parasite genes have been described that are critical for P. falciparum gametogenesis and fertility, no parasite gene has been shown to have a unique function in macrogametes. The genome of P. falciparum encodes numerous RNA-binding proteins. We identified a novel protein containing a putative RNA-binding domain, which we named Macrogamete-Contributed Factor Essential for Transmission (MaCFET). This protein is expressed in the asexual and sexual stages. Parasites that carry a deletion of MaCFET (Pfmacfet¯), developed normally as asexual stages, indicating that its function is not essential for the asexual proliferation of the parasite in vitro. Furthermore, Pfmacfet¯ male and female gametocytes developed normally and underwent activation to form microgametes and macrogametes. However, by utilizing genetic crosses, we demonstrate that Pfmacfet¯ parasites suffer a complete female-specific defect in successful fertilization. Therefore, PfMaCFET is a critical female-contributed factor for parasite transmission to the mosquito. Based on its putative RNA-binding properties, PfMaCFET might be in involved in the regulation of mRNAs that encode female-specific functions for fertilization or female-contributed factors needed post fertilization.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2296634X
Volume :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.bdd72e2d55674300a0a860dcb50c8928
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2022.825247