Mitochondrial ATP synthesis is essential for efficient gametogenesis in Plasmodium falciparum.

ABSTRACT: Plasmodium male and female gametocytes are the gatekeepers of human-to-mosquito transmission, therefore essential for propagation of malaria within a population. Whilst dormant in humans, their divergent roles during transmission become apparent soon after mosquito feeding with a rapid transformation into gametes - males forming eight motile sperm-like cells aiming to fertilise a single female gamete. Little is known about how the parasite fuels this abrupt change, and the potential role played by their large and elaborate cristate mitochondrion. Using a sex-specific antibody and functional mitochondrial labelling, we show that the male gametocyte mitochondrion is less active than that of female gametocytes and more sensitive to antimalarials targeting mitochondrial energy metabolism. Rath

SUBMITTER: Sparkes PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11569237 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature