Pivotal roles of Plasmodium falciparum lysophospholipid acyltransferase 1 in cell cycle progression and cytostome internalization.

ABSTRACT: The rapid intraerythrocytic replication of Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly species of malaria parasite, requires a quick but constant supply of phospholipids to support marked cell membrane expansion. In the malarial parasite, many enzymes functioning in phospholipid synthesis pathway have not been identified or characterized. Here, we identify P. falciparum lysophospholipid acyltransferase 1 (PfLPLAT1) and show that PfLPLAT1 is vital for asexual parasite cell cycle progression and cytostome internalization. Deficiency in PfLPLAT1 results in decreased parasitemia and prevents transition to the schizont stage. Parasites lacking PfLPLAT1 also exhibit distinctive omega-shaped vacuoles, indicating disrupted cytostome function. Transcriptomic analyses suggest that this deficiency impacts DNA re

SUBMITTER: Fukumoto J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11779973 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature