Stage-specific expression of plasmodial proteins containing an antigenic marker of the intraerythrocytic cisternae

Maurer's clefts: A novel multi-functional organelle in the cytoplasm of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes

Discovered in 1902 by Georg Maurer as a peculiar dotted staining pattern observable by light microscopy in the cytoplasm of erythrocytes infected with the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the function of Maurer's clefts have remained obscure for more than a century. The growing interest in protein sorting and trafficking processes in malarial parasites has recently aroused the Maurer's clefts from their deep slumber. Mounting evidence suggests that Maurer's clefts are a secretory organelle, which the parasite establishes within its host erythrocyte, but outside its own confines, to route parasite proteins across the host cell cytoplasm to the erythrocyte surface where they play a role in nutrient uptake and immune evasion processes. Moreover, Maurer's clefts seem to play a role in cell signaling, merozoite egress, phospholipid biosynthesis and, possibly, other biochemical pathways. Here, we review our current knowledge of the ultrastructure of Maurer's clefts, their proteinaceous composition and their function in protein trafficking.

Cooperative domains define a unique host cell-targeting signal in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes

When the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum infects an erythrocyte, it resides in a parasitophorous vacuole and remarkably exports proteins into the periphery of its host cell. Two of these proteins, the histidine-rich proteins I and II (PfHRPI and PfHRPII), are exported to the erythrocyte cytoplasm. PfHRPI has been linked to cell-surface "knobby" protrusions that mediate cerebral malaria and are a frequent cause of death. PfHRPII has been implicated in (i) the production of hemozoin, the black pigment associated with disease, as well as (ii) interactions with the erythrocyte cytoskeleton. Here we show that a tripartite signal that is comprised of an endoplasmic reticulum-type signal sequence followed by a bipartite vacuolar translocation signal derived from HRPII and HRPI exports GFP from the parasitophorous vacuole to the host cytoplasm. The bipartite vacuolar translocation signal is comprised of unique, peptidic (approximately equal to 40-aa) sequences. A domain within it contains the signal for export to "cleft" transport intermediates in the host erythrocyte and may thereby regulate the pathway of export to the host cytoplasm. A signal for posttranslational, vacuolar exit of proteins has hitherto not been described in eukaryotic secretion.

Ankyrin peptide blocks falcipain-2-mediated malaria parasite release from red blood cells

Falcipain-2 (FP-2) is a dual-function protease that cleaves hemoglobin at the early trophozoite stage and erythrocyte membrane ankyrin and protein 4.1 at the late stages of parasite development. FP-2-mediated cleavage of ankyrin and protein 4.1 is postulated to cause membrane instability facilitating parasite release in vivo. To test this hypothesis, here we have determined the precise peptide sequence at the hydrolysis site of ankyrin to develop specific inhibitor(s) of FP-2. Mass spectrometric analysis of the hydrolysis products showed that FP-2-mediated cleavage of ankyrin occurred immediately after arginine 1,210. A 10-mer peptide (ankyrin peptide, AnkP) containing the cleavage site completely inhibited the FP-2 enzyme activity in vitro and abolished all of the known functions of FP-2. To determine the effect of this peptide on the growth and development of P. falciparum, the peptide was delivered into intact parasite-infected red blood cells (RBCs) via the Antennapedia homeoprotein internalization domain. Growth and maturation of trophozoites and schizonts was markedly inhibited in the presence of the fused AnkP peptide. <10% of new ring-stage parasites were detected compared with the control sample. Together, our results identify a specific peptide derived from the spectrin-binding domain of ankyrin that blocks late-stage malaria parasite development in RBCs. Confocal microscopy with FP-2-specific antibodies demonstrated the proximity of the enzyme in apposition with the RBC membrane, further corroborating the proposed function of FP-2 in the cleavage of RBC skeletal proteins.

Protein and lipid trafficking induced in erythrocytes infected by malaria parasites

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum develops in a parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) within the mature red cell and extensively modifies structural and antigenic properties of this host cell. Recent studies shed significant new, mechanistic perspective on the underlying processes. There is finally, definitive evidence that despite the absence of endocytosis, transmembrane proteins in the host red cell membrane are imported in to the PVM. These are not major erythrocyte proteins but components that reside in detergent resistant membrane (DRM) rafts in red cell membrane and are detected in rafts in the PVM. Disruption of either erythrocyte or vacuolar rafts is detrimental to infection suggesting that raft proteins and lipids are essential for the parasitization of the red cell. On secretory export of parasite proteins: an ER secretory signal (SS) sequence is required for protein secretion to the PV. Proteins carrying an additional plastid targeting sequence (PTS) are also detected in the PV but subsequently delivered to the plastid organelle within the parasite, suggesting that the PTS may have a second function as an endocytic sorting signal. A distinct but yet undefined peptidic motif underlies protein transport across the PVM to the red cell (although all of the published data does not yet fit this model). Further multiple exported proteins transit through secretory 'cleft' structures, suggesting that clefts may be sorting compartments assembled by the parasite in the red cell.

Packaged merozoite release without immediate host cell lysis

In spite of the extraordinary progress in unravelling the genome of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, many crucial aspects of its biology remain poorly understood. One largely neglected area is the mechanism of merozoite release from host red blood cells.

Malaria parasite exit from the host erythrocyte: a two-step process requiring extraerythrocytic proteolysis

Intraerythrocytic malaria parasites replicate by the process of schizogeny, during which time they copy their genetic material and package it into infective merozoites. These merozoites must then exit the host cell to invade new erythrocytes. To better characterize the events of merozoite escape, erythrocytes containing Plasmodium falciparum schizonts were cultured in the presence of the cysteine protease inhibitor, l-transepoxy-succinyl-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)butane (E64). This treatment resulted in the accumulation of extraerythrocytic merozoites locked within a thin, transparent membrane. Immunomicroscopy demonstrated that the single membrane surrounding the merozoites is not erythrocytic but rather is derived from the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM). Importantly, structures identical in appearance can be detected in untreated cultures at low frequency. Further studies revealed that (i) merozoites from the PVM-enclosed merozoite structures (PEMS) are invasive, viable, and capable of normal development; (ii) PEMS can be purified easily and efficiently; and (iii) when PEMS are added to uninfected red blood cells, released merozoites can establish a synchronous wave of infection. These observations suggest that l-transepoxy-succinyl-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)butane (E64) causes an accumulation of an intermediate normally present during the process of rupture. We propose a model for the process of rupture: merozoites enclosed within the PVM first exit from the host erythrocyte and then rapidly escape from the PVM by a proteolysis-dependent mechanism.

Malaria parasite exit from the host erythrocyte: A two-step process requiring extraerythrocytic proteolysis

Intraerythrocytic malaria parasites replicate by the process of schizogeny, during which time they copy their genetic material and package it into infective merozoites. These merozoites must then exit the host cell to invade new erythrocytes. To better characterize the events of merozoite escape, erythrocytes containing Plasmodium falciparum schizonts were cultured in the presence of the cysteine protease inhibitor, l-transepoxy-succinyl-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)butane (E64). This treatment resulted in the accumulation of extraerythrocytic merozoites locked within a thin, transparent membrane. Immunomicroscopy demonstrated that the single membrane surrounding the merozoites is not erythrocytic but rather is derived from the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM). Importantly, structures identical in appearance can be detected in untreated cultures at low frequency. Further studies revealed that (i) merozoites from the PVM-enclosed merozoite structures (PEMS) are invasive, viable, and capable of normal development; (ii) PEMS can be purified easily and efficiently; and (iii) when PEMS are added to uninfected red blood cells, released merozoites can establish a synchronous wave of infection. These observations suggest that l-transepoxy-succinyl-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)butane (E64) causes an accumulation of an intermediate normally present during the process of rupture. We propose a model for the process of rupture: merozoites enclosed within the PVM first exit from the host erythrocyte and then rapidly escape from the PVM by a proteolysis-dependent mechanism.

Pfsbp1, a Maurer's cleft Plasmodium falciparum protein, is associated with the erythrocyte skeleton

Antibodies from hyperimmune monkey sera, selected by absorption to Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes, and elution at acidic pH, allowed us to characterize a novel parasite protein, Pfsbp1 (P. falciparum skeleton binding protein 1). Pfsbp1 is an integral membrane protein of parasite-induced membranous structures associated with the erythrocyte plasma membrane and referred to as Maurer's clefts. The carboxy-terminal domain of Pfsbp1, exposed within the cytoplasm of the host cell, interacts with a 35 kDa erythrocyte skeletal protein and might participate in the binding of the Maurer's clefts to the erythrocyte submembrane skeleton. Antibodies to the carboxy- and amino-terminal domains of Pfsbp1 labelled similar vesicular structures in the cytoplasm of Plasmodium chabaudi and Plasmodium berghei-infected murine erythrocytes, suggesting that the protein is conserved among malaria species, consistent with an important role of Maurer's cleft-like structures in the intraerythrocytic development of malaria parasites.

Identification of peripheral membrane proteins associated with the tubo-vesicular network of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes

During intracellular development of the malarial parasite numerous membranous vesicles appear in the infected erythrocyte cytoplasm between the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) and the erythrocyte plasma membrane. In this study we describe the characterization of a monoclonal antibody which recognizes two major parasite-encoded proteins of 50 and 41 kDa. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that the monoclonal antibody reacts with cytoplasmic vesicles of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocyte referred to as Maurer's clefts. The antigens recognized by the monoclonal antibody were expressed very early during the erythrocytic life cycle of the parasite, and remained tightly associated within membrane vesicles even after merozoites are released from infected erythrocytes. The antigens were partially soluble in non-ionic detergents, and were released from the membrane by alkali treatment, indicating that the proteins recognized by the monoclonal antibody are peripheral membrane proteins. It is proposed that the 50 and 41 kDa antigens might be part of an underlying membrane skeletal network that provides structural support to vesicles and tubules present in the infected erythrocyte cytoplasm.

Imaging Plasmodium falciparum-infected ghost and parasite by atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy was used to image the membrane cytoskeleton network of normal and P. falciparum-infected ghosts. The membrane cytoskeleton network was examined in air-dried ghost preparations from normal and infected cells. We found that the spectrin network was changed in infected ghosts. The thickness of the normal red cell membrane was about 15.05 +/- 2.27 nm, while the thickness of the P. falciparum-infected membrane was found to be 22.97 +/- 3.84 nm. The ghost containing ring stage parasites exhibited areas of particle-like protrusions ranging in size from 0.2 to 0.7 micron. The surface of the P. falciparum parasite was also imaged in air-dried samples, showing the existence of a large protrusion extending from the parasite surface.

Recognition of a 170 kD protein in mammalian Golgi complexes by an antibody against malarial intraerythrocytic lamellae

Human erythrocytes infected with the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum contain flattened membrane lamellae. It has been suggested that the lamellae may be involved in the sorting of malarial proteins to the cytoplasm and the cell membrane of the host erythrocyte. We have previously shown that the lamellae accumulate sphingolipids by virtue of their lipid composition in a manner similar to the trans-Golgi and the trans-Golgi network in mammalian cells. In this paper, we show by immunofluorescence microscopy that a monoclonal antibody to the lamellae labeled a perinuclear organelle that colocalized with WGA and the mannose-6-phosphate receptor in cultured mammalian cells. Immunoelectron microscopy experiments revealed that LWLI labels cisternae of the trans-face and the trans-Golgi network. Western blot analysis of subcellular fractions using LWLI detected a 170 kD protein which is associated with the luminal side of Golgi membranes of rat liver and is conserved in all cell lines studied. Our results indicate that (i) the 170 kD protein is a novel marker of the mammalian trans-Golgi and the trans-Golgi network and (ii) in addition to similarities in their morphological and lipid characteristics, the lamellae induced by P. falciparum in erythrocytes share proteinaceous determinants with the Golgi apparatus of mammalian cells.

Parasite-regulated membrane transport processes and metabolic control in malaria-infected erythrocytes

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Biosynthesis, export and processing of a 45 kDa protein detected in membrane clefts of erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum

During its asexual life cycle, the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum exports numerous proteins beyond its surface to its host erythrocyte. We have studied the biosynthesis, processing and export of a 45 kDa parasite protein resident in membrane clefts in the erythrocyte cytoplasm. Our results indicate that this cleft protein is made as a single tightly membrane-bound 45 kDa polypeptide in ring- and trophozoite-infected erythrocytes (0-36 h in the life cycle). Using ring/trophozoite parasites released from erythrocytes, the 45 kDa protein is shown to be efficiently transported to the cell surface. This export is specifically blocked by the drug brefeldin A, and at 15 and 20 degrees C. These results indicate that transport blocks seen in the Golgi of mammalian cells are conserved in P. falciparum. Further, the newly synthesized 45 kDa protein passes through parasite Golgi compartments before its export to clefts in the erythrocyte. In mid-to-late-ring-infected erythrocytes, a fraction of the newly synthesized 45 kDa protein is processed to a second membrane-bound phosphorylated 47 kDa protein. The t1/2 of this processing step is about 4 h, suggesting that it occurs subsequent to protein export from the parasite. Evidence is presented that, in later trophozoite stages (24-36 h), the exported 45 and 47 kDa proteins are partially converted into soluble molecules in the intraerythrocytic space. Taken together, the results indicate that the lower eukaryote P. falciparum modulates a classical secretory pathway to support membrane export beyond its plasma membrane to clefts in the erythrocyte. Subsequent to export, phosphorylation and/or conversion into a soluble form may regulate the interactions of the 45 kDa protein with the clefts during parasite development.

Characterization of membrane proteins exported from Plasmodium falciparum into the host erythrocyte

Plasmodium falciparum is an intracellular parasite of the red blood cell. During development it exports proteins which are transported to specific locations within the host erythrocyte. We have begun to identify and characterize exported membrane proteins of P. falciparum in order to obtain specific marker molecules for the study of the mechanisms involved in the distribution of parasite-derived proteins within the host cell. In this report we describe the characterization of a 35 kDa protein which is recognized by a monoclonal antibody. The protein is tightly associated with membranes isolated from infected erythrocytes; it is resistant to extraction with alkali and soluble after treatment with detergents. It is located at the membrane of the parasitophorous vacuole and in membrane-bound compartments which appear in the cytoplasm of the infected erythrocyte. The protein co-localizes with the previously described exported protein-1 (exp-1). Considering its localization and physical similarities to exp-1, we name the 35 kDa protein the exported protein-2 (exp-2).

Characterization of trafficking pathways and membrane genesis in malaria-infected erythrocytes

The origin of membraneous structures in the cytoplasm of human erythrocytes infected with the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, was determined by confocal fluorescence imaging microscopy. When infectious merozoites invaded erythrocytes labeled with the fluorescent, lipophilic, non-exchangeable molecules DiIC16 or DiOC16, a ring of fluorescence was observed surrounding the internal parasite, indicating that the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) is formed in part from the erythrocyte membrane. As the parasites matured, fluorescent vesicles were seen to be exported into the erythrocyte cytoplasm, beginning at 6 h post-invasion. During intraerythrocytic development, these dyes were transferred from the PVM to the parasite. When fluorescently labeled merozoites were released from these cells and invaded unlabeled erythrocytes, fluorescence was confined to the parasite throughout the entire erythrocytic cycle. Taken together, these results demonstrate that all vesicles/membranous compartments in the erythrocyte cytoplasm of parasitized erythrocytes (IRBC) contain membrane derived from the PVM. Based on this information, we define pathways that the parasite utilizes to export proteins and lipids to the host cell cytoplasm and surface membrane. When IRBC were labeled post-invasion with DiIC16 or DiOC16 and the parasites allowed to mature for one life cycle, the dyes were confined to the erythrocyte membrane, demonstrating that the host cell membrane of IRBC does not endocytose and there is no membrane exchange from the erythrocyte to the parasite. This investigation helps to resolve two long-standing controversies and provides new insights into the transport pathways that malaria parasites utilize during their development within host erythrocytes.

Plasmodium falciparum exports the Golgi marker sphingomyelin synthase into a tubovesicular network in the cytoplasm of mature erythrocytes

This work describes two unusual features of membrane development in a eukaryotic cell. (a) The induction of an extensive network of tubovesicular membranes by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in the cytoplasm of the mature erythrocyte, and its visualization with two ceramide analogues C5-DMB-ceramide and C6-NBD-ceramide. "Sectioning" of the infected erythrocytes using laser confocal microscopy has allowed the reconstruction of detailed three-dimensional images of this novel membrane network. (b) The stage-specific export of sphingomyelin synthase, a biosynthetic activity concentrated in the Golgi of mammalian cells, to this tubovesicular network. Evidence is presented that in the extracellular merozoite stage the parasite retains sphingomyelin synthase within its plasma membrane. However, intracellular ring- and trophozoite-stage parasites export a substantial fraction (approximately 26%) of sphingomyelin synthase activity to membranes beyond their plasma membrane. Importantly we do not observe synthesis of new enzyme during these intracellular stages. Taken together these results strongly suggest that the export of this classic Golgi enzyme is developmentally regulated in Plasmodium. We discuss the significance of this export and the tubovesicular network with respect to membrane development and function in the erythrocyte cytosol.

Secretory transport in Plasmodium

The asexual blood stage of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum resides within the mature erythrocyte - a cell that has no intracellular organelles and few biosynthetic activities. However, Plasmodium, as on actively growing and dividing cell, has numerous requirements for the uptake o f nutrients and expulsion of waste. Hence, the parasite must extensively remodel the erythrocyte to facilitate its survival, not only by exporting numerous proteins, but also by providing the requisite machinery for their .trafficking. In this review, Heidi Elmendorf and Kastun Haldar propose a model for secretion in P. falciparum.

Brefeldin A inhibits protein secretion and parasite maturation in the ring stage of Plasmodium falciparum

The release of all newly synthesized soluble proteins from the ring stage of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes was reversibly blocked by brefeldin A, indicating the presence of a conserved step of classical eukaryotic secretory export within the parasite. This implies that proteins exported to the erythrocyte cytosol undergo secretory release at the parasite plasma membrane and subsequent translocation across the vacuolar membrane. Along with inhibiting protein export brefeldin arrested parasite maturation, but the cells remained viable even after 24 h in the presence of the drug. The results suggest that secretory export may be important for development, but not for immediate survival, at the ring stage.

Synthesis and secretion of proteins by released malarial parasites

Controlled mechanical homogenization of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes releases parasites of a quality sufficient for studying the export of newly synthesized plasmodial proteins. Protein synthesis occurs within intact released parasites as defined by resistance of acid-insoluble incorporation of radiolabel to high levels of exogenously added EDTA, hexokinase, and RNaseA. While exogenously added ATP and erythrocyte cytosol were not essential for biosynthetic activity at levels comparable to that seen in infected erythrocytes, the addition of an extracellular ATP regenerating system (ARS) stimulated the synthesis of parasite proteins. Conversely, parasite viability and biosynthetic activity are decreased by the addition of a non-hydrolyzable ATP analogue (ATP gamma S), ADP, or ATP in the absence of a regenerating system. These data suggest a metabolic interdependence between extracellular energy metabolism and biosynthetic functions within the parasite. The export of a predominant subset of proteins was retarded in the presence of Brefeldin A, indicating the existence of a classical secretory pathway characteristic of that seen in higher eukaryotic cells. Interestingly, a Brefeldin A-insensitive component of export was also consistently observed; this may suggest the existence of an additional alternative secretory mechanism in malaria.