A mitogen-activated protein kinase regulates male gametogenesis and transmission of the malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei.

ABSTRACT: Differentiation of malaria parasites into sexual forms (gametocytes) in the vertebrate host and their subsequent development into gametes in the mosquito vector are crucial steps in the completion of the parasite's life cycle and transmission of the disease. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the sexual cycle are poorly understood. Although several signal transduction pathways have been implicated, a clear understanding of the pathways involved has yet to emerge. Here, we show that a Plasmodium berghei homologue of Plasmodium falciparum mitogen-activated kinase-2 (Pfmap-2), a gametocyte-specific mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), is required for male gamete formation. Parasites lacking Pbmap-2 are competent for gametocytogenesis, but exflagellation of male gametocytes, the proces

SUBMITTER: Rangarajan R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1299310 | biostudies-literature | 2005 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature