Disruption of the Plasmodium berghei 2-Cys peroxiredoxin TPx-1 gene hinders the sporozoite development in the vector mosquito

Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2008 Jun;159(2):142-5. doi: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2008.03.002. Epub 2008 Mar 13.

Abstract

To investigate the physiologic role of cytosolic 2-Cys peroxiredoxin of Plasmodium berghei (PbTPx-1), we infected the vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi with a parasite carrying a targeted knockout of pbtpx-1 (Prx-KO). The number of Prx-KO midgut oocysts at 14-15 days post-feeding (pf) was comparable to that of the parent strain (WT); however, the numbers of sporozoites that formed in midgut oocysts and accumulated in the salivary gland of Prx-KO-infected mosquitoes by 21 days pf were decreased to 10-20% and 3-10%, respectively, of those values in WT-infected mosquitoes. A higher frequency of DNA strand breaks was detected in Prx-KO oocysts than in WT oocysts. Sporozoites carrying the targeted disruption had reduced infectivity in mice; however, the knockout did not affect the ability of the sporozoite to reach the liver parenchyma and initiate exo-erythrocytic form (EEF) development. TPx-1 may be involved in development during exponentially multiplying stages, such as sporozoites and EEF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Culicidae / parasitology*
  • DNA Breaks
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / chemistry
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / parasitology
  • Gene Deletion
  • Liver / parasitology
  • Malaria / parasitology*
  • Mice
  • Mutagenesis, Insertional
  • Parasite Egg Count
  • Peroxiredoxins / genetics
  • Peroxiredoxins / physiology*
  • Plasmodium berghei / enzymology
  • Plasmodium berghei / growth & development*
  • Plasmodium berghei / pathogenicity*
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / physiology*
  • Salivary Glands / parasitology
  • Sporozoites / enzymology
  • Sporozoites / growth & development

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Peroxiredoxins