An intracellular membrane protein GEP1 regulates xanthurenic acid induced gametogenesis of malaria parasites.

ABSTRACT: Gametocytes differentiation to gametes (gametogenesis) within mosquitos is essential for malaria parasite transmission. Both reduction in temperature and mosquito-derived XA or elevated pH are required for triggering cGMP/PKG dependent gametogenesis. However, the parasite molecule for sensing or transducing these environmental signals to initiate gametogenesis remains unknown. Here we perform a CRISPR/Cas9-based functional screening of 59 membrane proteins expressed in the gametocytes of Plasmodium yoelii and identify that GEP1 is required for XA-stimulated gametogenesis. GEP1 disruption abolishes XA-stimulated cGMP synthesis and the subsequent signaling and cellular events, such as Ca²⁺ mobilization, gamete formation, and gametes egress out of erythrocytes. GEP1 interacts with

SUBMITTER: Jiang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7145802 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature