Formation of the Food Vacuole in Plasmodium falciparum: A Potential Role for the 19 kDa Fragment of Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP119)
2008

Role of MSP119 in Food Vacuole Formation in Malaria Parasite

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Dluzewski Anton R., Ling Irene T., Hopkins John M., Grainger Munira, Margos Gabriele, Mitchell Graham H., Holder Anthony A., Bannister Lawrence H.

Primary Institution: Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom

Hypothesis

MSP119 may play a role in the biology of the intracellular stages of Plasmodium falciparum.

Conclusion

MSP119 persists in the food vacuole throughout the intra-erythrocytic phase and may play a significant role in its biogenesis and function.

Supporting Evidence

  • MSP119 remains intact and persists to the end of the intracellular cycle.
  • MSP119 is the first marker for the biogenesis of the food vacuole.
  • MSP119 does not follow a classical lysosome-like clearance pathway.
  • Newly synthesized MSP1 is excluded from the vacuole.

Takeaway

The study shows that a protein called MSP119 stays inside the malaria parasite's food storage area and helps it work properly.

Methodology

The study used immunochemical analysis, fluorescence imaging, and immuno-electron microscopy to track MSP119 during the parasite's development.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003085

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