Journal Article

PUBDB-2025-02034

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Molecular architecture of glideosome and nuclear F-actin in Plasmodium falciparum

Pražák, V. ; Vasishtan, D. ; Gruenewald, K.CSSB* ; Douglas, R. G. ; Ferreira, J. (Corresponding author)CSSB*

2025
Nature Publishing Group UK [London]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s44319-025-00415-7  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2025-02034

Abstract: Actin-based motility is required for the transmission of malaria sporozoites. While this has been shown biochemically, filamentous actin has remained elusive and has not been directly visualised inside the parasite. Using focused ion beam milling and electron cryo-tomography, we studied dynamic actin filaments in unperturbed Plasmodium falciparum cells for the first time. This allowed us to dissect the assembly, path and fate of actin filaments during parasite gliding and determine a complete 3D model of F-actin within sporozoites. We observe micrometre long actin filaments, much longer than expected from in vitro studies. After their assembly at the parasite’s apical end, actin filaments continue to grow as they are transported down the cell as part of the glideosome machinery, and are disassembled at the basal end in a rate-limiting step. Large pores in the IMC, constrained to the basal end, may facilitate actin exchange between the pellicular space and cytosol for recycling and maintenance of directional flow. The data also reveal striking actin bundles in the nucleus. Implications for motility and transmission are discussed.

Note: This research was funded in part by DFG INST 152/ 772-1, 774-1, 775-1, 777-1 FUGG (CSSB cryoEM facility).

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. CSSB - Leibniz-Institut für Experimentelle Virologie (LIV) - Kay Grünewald (CSSB-LIV-KG)

Research Program(s):

1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)
2. INFRAVEC2 - Research Infrastructures for the control of vector-borne diseases (731060) (731060)

Experiment(s):

1. No specific instrument

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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