Journal Article

PUBDB-2024-00269

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Variable microtubule architecture in the malaria parasite

Ferreira, J. L.CSSB* ; Pražák, V.CSSB* ; Vasishtan, D.CSSB* ; Siggel, M.CSSB* ; Hentzschel, F. ; Binder, A. M. ; Pietsch, E.CSSB* ; Kosinski, J.CSSB* ; Frischknecht, F. ; Gilberger, T. W.CSSB* ; Gruenewald, K. (Corresponding author)CSSB*

2023
Nature Publishing Group UK [London]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41467-023-36627-5  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2024-00269

Abstract: Microtubules are a ubiquitous eukaryotic cytoskeletal element typically consisting of 13 protofilaments arranged in a hollow cylinder. This arrangement is considered the canonical form and is adopted by most organisms, with rare exceptions. Here, we use in situ electron cryo-tomography and subvolume averaging to analyse the changing microtubule cytoskeleton of Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, throughout its life cycle. Unexpectedly, different parasite forms have distinct microtubule structures coordinated by unique organising centres. In merozoites, the most widely studied form, we observe canonical microtubules. In migrating mosquito forms, the 13 protofilament structure is further reinforced by interrupted luminal helices. Surprisingly, gametocytes contain a wide distribution of microtubule structures ranging from 13 to 18 protofilaments, doublets and triplets. Such a diversity of microtubule structures has not been observed in any other organism to date and is likely evidence of a distinct role in each life cycle form. This data provides a unique view into an unusual microtubule cytoskeleton of a relevant human pathogen.

Note: German Center for Infection Research, DZIF (FH), DFG-FR 2140/10-1 (AMB), DFG research networks SFB 1129, SPP 2332 and grant FR 2140/10-1 (FF), CSSB KIF-002 (TWG and KG), DFG research networks SPP 2225 (TWG)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. CSSB-BNITM-TG (CSSB-BNITM-TG)
2. CSSB - Leibniz-Institut für Experimentelle Virologie (LIV) - Kay Grünewald (CSSB-LIV-KG)
3. CSSB-EMBL-JK (CSSB-EMBL-JK)
4. CSSB-CF-CRYO (CSSB-CF-CRYO)

Research Program(s):

1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)
2. EIPOD4 - EMBL Interdisciplinary Postdoc Programme 4 (847543) (847543)

Experiment(s):

1. No specific instrument

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