Metamorphosis of the malaria parasite in the liver is associated with organelle clearance.

ABSTRACT: Malaria parasites encounter diverse conditions as they cycle between their vertebrate host and mosquito vector. Within these distinct environments, the parasite undergoes drastic transformations, changing both its morphology and metabolism. Plasmodium species that infect mammals must first take up residence in the liver before initiating red blood cell infection. Following penetration into hepatocytes, the parasite converts from an invasion-competent, motile, elongated sporozoite to a metabolically active, round trophozoite. Relatively little is known about the cellular events involved in sporozoite metamorphosis. Our data uncover the early cellular events associated with these transformations. We illustrate that the beginning of metamorphosis is marked by the disruption of the membrane cy

SUBMITTER: Jayabalasingham B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4137911 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature