Maternally supplied S-acyl-transferase is required for crystalloid organelle formation and transmission of the malaria parasite

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 Jun 28;113(26):7183-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1522381113. Epub 2016 Jun 14.

Abstract

Transmission of the malaria parasite from the mammalian host to the mosquito vector requires the formation of adequately adapted parasite forms and stage-specific organelles. Here we show that formation of the crystalloid-a unique and short-lived organelle of the Plasmodium ookinete and oocyst stage required for sporogony-is dependent on the precisely timed expression of the S-acyl-transferase DHHC10. DHHC10, translationally repressed in female Plasmodium berghei gametocytes, is activated translationally during ookinete formation, where the protein is essential for the formation of the crystalloid, the correct targeting of crystalloid-resident protein LAP2, and malaria parasite transmission.

Keywords: DOZI; crystalloid; malaria; ookinete; palmitoylation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyltransferases / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Malaria / transmission
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Oocysts / physiology
  • Organelles / physiology
  • Plasmodium berghei / enzymology
  • Plasmodium berghei / pathogenicity*
  • Plasmodium berghei / physiology
  • Protozoan Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Acyltransferases