A perforin-like protein mediates disruption of the erythrocyte membrane during egress ofPlasmodium bergheimale gametocytes

• DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12131
• Publication Date: 2013-03-05T15:34:13Z
• Authors: Elena Deligianni; Rhiannon N. Morgan; Lucia Bertuccini; Christine C. Wirth; Natalie C. Silmon...; Lefteris Spanos; Michael J. Blackman; Christos Louis; Gabriele Pradel; Inga Siden-Kiamos
• Keywords: Plasmodium berghei; Plasmodium (life cycle)

Successful gametogenesis of the malaria parasite depends on egress gametocytes from erythrocytes within which they developed. Egress entails rupture both parasitophorous vacuole membrane and erythrocyte plasma membrane, precedes formation motile flagellated male gametes in a process called exflagellation. We show here that gametocyte function perforin-like protein, PPLP2. A mutant Plasmodium berghei lacking PPLP2 displayed abnormal exflagellation; instead each forming eight gametes, it produced with only one, shared thicker flagellum. Using immunofluorescence transmission electron microscopy analysis, phenotype rescue saponin or pore-forming toxin, we conclude is blocked mutant. The other hand, ruptured normally. Some parasites are still able to develop mosquito, possibly because vigorous motility eventually leads escape persisting membrane. This first example protein having role host cell shown be specifically required for disruption during egress.