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A mitogen‐activated protein kinase regulates male gametogenesis and transmission of the malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei
Author(s) -
Rangarajan Radha,
Bei Amy K,
Jethwaney Deepa,
Maldonado Priscilla,
Dorin Dominique,
Sultan Ali A,
Doerig Christian
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.1038/sj.embor.7400404
Subject(s) - public health , infectious disease (medical specialty) , library science , virology , medicine , disease , pathology , computer science
Differentiation of malaria parasites into sexual forms (gametocytes) in the vertebrate host and their subsequent development into gametes in the mosquito vector are crucial steps in the completion of the parasite's life cycle and transmission of the disease. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the sexual cycle are poorly understood. Although several signal transduction pathways have been implicated, a clear understanding of the pathways involved has yet to emerge. Here, we show that a Plasmodium berghei homologue of Plasmodium falciparum mitogen‐activated kinase‐2 (Pfmap‐2), a gametocyte‐specific mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), is required for male gamete formation. Parasites lacking Pbmap‐2 are competent for gametocytogenesis, but exflagellation of male gametocytes, the process that leads to male gamete formation, is almost entirely abolished in mutant parasites. Consistent with this result, transmission of mutant parasites to mosquitoes is grossly impaired. This finding identifies a crucial role for a MAPK pathway in malaria transmission.

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