Transition of Plasmodium sporozoites into liver stage-like forms is regulated by the RNA binding protein Pumilio.

ABSTRACT: Many eukaryotic developmental and cell fate decisions that are effected post-transcriptionally involve RNA binding proteins as regulators of translation of key mRNAs. In malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.), the development of round, non-motile and replicating exo-erythrocytic liver stage forms from slender, motile and cell-cycle arrested sporozoites is believed to depend on environmental changes experienced during the transmission of the parasite from the mosquito vector to the vertebrate host. Here we identify a Plasmodium member of the RNA binding protein family PUF as a key regulator of this transformation. In the absence of Pumilio-2 (Puf2) sporozoites initiate EEF development inside mosquito salivary glands independently of the normal transmission-associated environmental cues. Puf2-

SUBMITTER: Gomes-Santos CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3098293 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature