Distinct external signals trigger sequential release of apical organelles during erythrocyte invasion by malaria parasites.

ABSTRACT: The invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium merozoites requires specific interactions between host receptors and parasite ligands. Parasite proteins that bind erythrocyte receptors during invasion are localized in apical organelles called micronemes and rhoptries. The regulated secretion of microneme and rhoptry proteins to the merozoite surface to enable receptor binding is a critical step in the invasion process. The sequence of these secretion events and the external signals that trigger release are not known. We have used time-lapse video microscopy to study changes in intracellular calcium levels in Plasmodium falciparum merozoites during erythrocyte invasion. In addition, we have developed flow cytometry based methods to measure relative levels of cytosolic calcium and study surface e

SUBMITTER: Singh S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2816683 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature