Molecular architecture of glideosome and nuclear F-actin in Plasmodium falciparum.

IF 6.5 1区生物学 Q1 BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

EMBO Reports Pub Date : 2025-03-24 DOI:10.1038/s44319-025-00415-7

Vojtěch Pražák, Daven Vasishtan, Kay Grünewald, Ross G Douglas, Josie L Ferreira

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引用次数: 0

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.

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来源期刊

EMBO Reports 生物-生化与分子生物学

CiteScore

11.20

自引率

1.30%

发文量

267

审稿时长

1 months

期刊介绍： EMBO Reports is a scientific journal that specializes in publishing research articles in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology, and developmental biology. The journal is known for its commitment to publishing high-quality, impactful research that provides novel physiological and functional insights. These insights are expected to be supported by robust evidence, with independent lines of inquiry validating the findings. The journal's scope includes both long and short-format papers, catering to different types of research contributions. It values studies that: Communicate major findings: Articles that report significant discoveries or advancements in the understanding of biological processes at the molecular, cellular, and developmental levels. Confirm important findings: Research that validates or supports existing knowledge in the field, reinforcing the reliability of previous studies. Refute prominent claims: Studies that challenge or disprove widely accepted ideas or hypotheses in the biosciences, contributing to the correction and evolution of scientific understanding. Present null data: Papers that report negative results or findings that do not support a particular hypothesis, which are crucial for the scientific process as they help to refine or redirect research efforts. EMBO Reports is dedicated to maintaining high standards of scientific rigor and integrity, ensuring that the research it publishes contributes meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in the life sciences. By covering a broad spectrum of topics and encouraging the publication of both positive and negative results, the journal plays a vital role in promoting a comprehensive and balanced view of scientific inquiry.