Probing <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> sexual commitment at the single-cell level.

ABSTRACT: Background: Malaria parasites go through major transitions during their complex life cycle, yet the underlying differentiation pathways remain obscure. Here we apply single cell transcriptomics to unravel the program inducing sexual differentiation in Plasmodium falciparum. Parasites have to make this essential life-cycle decision in preparation for human-to-mosquito transmission. Methods: By combining transcriptional profiling with quantitative imaging and genetics, we defined a transcriptional signature in sexually committed cells. Results: We found this transcriptional signature to be distinct from general changes in parasite metabolism that can be observed in response to commitment-inducing conditions. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study provides

SUBMITTER: Brancucci NMB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6143928 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature