PfCDPK1 mediated signaling in erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00053-1
• Publication Date: 2017-06-28T21:59:46Z
• Authors: Sudhir Kumar; Manish Kumar; Roseleen Ekka; Jeffrey D. Dvorin; Aditya S. Paul; Anil K. Madugundu; Tim Gilberger; Harsha Gowda; Manoj T. Duraisingh; T. S. Keshava Prasad; Pushkar Sharma
• Keywords: Phosphoproteomics; Plasmodium (life cycle); Calcium Signaling

Calcium Dependent Protein Kinases are key effectors of calcium signaling in malaria parasite. PfCDPK1 is critical for asexual development Plasmodium falciparum, but its precise function and substrates remain largely unknown. Using a conditional knockdown strategy, we here establish that this kinase the invasion host erythrocytes. Furthermore, using multidisciplinary approach involving comparative phosphoproteomics gain insights into underlying molecular mechanisms. We identify PfCDPK1, which includes proteins Inner Membrane Complex glideosome-actomyosin motor assembly. Interestingly, phosphorylates PfPKA regulatory subunit (PfPKA-R) regulates activity parasite, may be relevant process invasion. This study delineates network sheds light on mechanisms via it invasion.Calcium dependent protein 1 (CDPK1) plays an important role falciparum. CDPK1, authors CDPK1 cross-talk between PKA, show parasite