Phospholipases during membrane dynamics in malaria parasites

Genomic insights into monensin resistance development in Eimeria tenella

Introduction

Monensin resistance in Eimeria tenella poses a significant challenge in poultry farming, compromising the effectiveness of this widely used anticoccidial drug. The present study aimed to identify candidate mutated genes in Eimeria tenella associated with monensin resistance through experimental evolution and pooled genome sequencing.

Methods

The monensin-resistant (MR) strains were rapidly generated by 6 generations of serial passage under gradient monensin treatments using Houghton strain as the parental strain. Genomic sequencing was applied to uncover genetic changes during passages under drug selective pressure. Comparative analysis between resistant and control populations was performed by using the ΔSNP-index and FST values to identify loci with significant selective sweeps. Stringent thresholds were applied to pinpoint candidate genes, followed by annotation and analysis of their potential functions.

Results and discussion

The genetic diversity of MR parasites remained stable across generations, despite varying drug concentrations. Seven candidate genes with 11 missense mutations were identified in MR strains. Key genes include ETH2_0729200 (dynein motor protein), ETH2_0729400 (esterase/lipase), and ETH2_0730000 (pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase) annotated in both the selective sweeps by using ΔSNP-index and FST methods. Further experimental validation of these candidate genes is essential to elucidate their roles in monensin resistance. This research contributes valuable insights into the molecular basis of resistance pressure in Eimeria parasites, potentially informing future strategies for the control of coccidiosis.

Antimicrobial peptides selectively target malaria parasites by a cholesterol-dependent mechanism

Hundreds of thousands die annually from malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), with the emergence of drug-resistant parasites hindering eradication efforts. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are known for their ability to disrupt pathogen membranes without targeting specific receptors, thereby reducing the chance of drug resistance. However, their effectiveness and the biophysical mechanisms by which they target the intracellular parasite remain unexplored. Here, by using native and synthetic AMPs, we discovered a selective mechanism that underlies the antimalarial activity. Remarkably, the AMPs exclusively interact with Pf-infected red blood cells, disrupting the cytoskeletal network and reaching the enclosed parasites with correlation to their activity. Moreover, we showed that the unique feature of reduced cholesterol content in the membrane of the infected host makes Pf-infected red blood cells susceptible to AMPs. Overall, this work highlights the Achilles' heel of malaria parasite and demonstrates the power of AMPs as potential antimalarial drugs with reduced risk of resistance.

Pivotal roles of Plasmodium falciparum lysophospholipid acyltransferase 1 in cell cycle progression and cytostome internalization

The rapid intraerythrocytic replication of Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly species of malaria parasite, requires a quick but constant supply of phospholipids to support marked cell membrane expansion. In the malarial parasite, many enzymes functioning in phospholipid synthesis pathway have not been identified or characterized. Here, we identify P. falciparum lysophospholipid acyltransferase 1 (PfLPLAT1) and show that PfLPLAT1 is vital for asexual parasite cell cycle progression and cytostome internalization. Deficiency in PfLPLAT1 results in decreased parasitemia and prevents transition to the schizont stage. Parasites lacking PfLPLAT1 also exhibit distinctive omega-shaped vacuoles, indicating disrupted cytostome function. Transcriptomic analyses suggest that this deficiency impacts DNA replication and cell cycle regulation. Mass spectrometry-based enzyme assay and lipidomic analysis demonstrate that recombinant PfLPLAT1 exhibits lysophospholipid acyltransferase activity with a preference for unsaturated fatty acids as its acyl donors and lysophosphatidic acids as an acceptor, with its conditional knockout leading to abnormal lipid composition and marked morphological and developmental changes including stage arrest. These findings highlight PfLPLAT1 as a potential target for antimalarial therapy, particularly due to its unique role and divergence from human orthologs.

Unraveling the interplay between unicellular parasites and bacterial biofilms: Implications for disease persistence and antibiotic resistance

Bacterial biofilms have attracted significant attention due to their involvement in persistent infections, food and water contamination, and infrastructure corrosion. This review delves into the intricate interactions between bacterial biofilms and unicellular parasites, shedding light on their impact on biofilm formation, structure, and function. Unicellular parasites, including protozoa, influence bacterial biofilms through grazing activities, leading to adaptive changes in bacterial communities. Moreover, parasites like Leishmania and Giardia can shape biofilm composition in a grazing independent manner, potentially influencing disease outcomes. Biofilms, acting as reservoirs, enable the survival of protozoan parasites against environmental stressors and antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, these biofilms may influence parasite virulence and stress responses, posing challenges in disease treatment. Interactions between unicellular parasites and fungal-containing biofilms is also discussed, hinting at complex microbial relationships in various ecosystems. Understanding these interactions offers insights into disease mechanisms and antibiotic resistance dissemination, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies and ecosystem-level implications.

Biomolecular interactions between Plasmodium and human host: A basis of targeted antimalarial therapy

Malaria is one of the serious health concerns worldwide as it remains a clinical challenge due to the complex life cycle of the malaria parasite and the morphological changes it undergoes during infection. The malaria parasite multiplies rapidly and spreads in the population by changing its alternative hosts. These various morphological stages of the parasite in the human host cause clinical symptoms (anemia, fever, and coma). These symptoms arise due to the preprogrammed biology of the parasite in response to the human pathophysiological response. Thus, complete elimination becomes one of the major health challenges. Although malaria vaccine(s) are available in the market, they still contain to cause high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, an approach for eradication is needed through the exploration of novel molecular targets by tracking the epidemiological changes the parasite adopts. This review focuses on the various novel molecular targets.

Glycosylation in malaria parasites: what do we know?

In malaria parasites, although post-translational modification of proteins with N-. O-, and C-glycosidic bond-linked glycans is limited, it is confined to relatively fewer proteins in which the glycans are present at significant levels and may have important functions. Furthermore, several proteins are modified with glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) which represent the predominant glycan synthesized by parasites. Modification of proteins with GPIs is obligatory for parasite survival as GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) play essential roles in all life cycle stages of the parasites, including development, egress, gametogenesis, motility, and host cell adhesion and invasion. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the structures and potential functions of the glycan moieties of parasite proteins. The knowledge has important implications for the development of drugs and vaccines for malaria.

Imidazolopiperazine (IPZ)-Induced Differential Transcriptomic Responses on Plasmodium falciparum Wild-Type and IPZ-Resistant Mutant Parasites

Imidazolopiperazine (IPZ), KAF156, a close analogue of GNF179, is a promising antimalarial candidate. IPZ is effective against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax clinical malaria in human with transmission blocking property in animal models and effective against liver stage parasites. Despite these excellent drug efficacy properties, in vitro parasites have shown resistance to IPZ. However, the mechanism of action and resistance of IPZ remained not fully understood. Here, we used transcriptomic analysis to elucidate mode of action of IPZs. We report, in wild-type parasites GNF179 treatment down regulated lipase enzymes, two metabolic pathways: the hydrolysis of Phosphoinositol 4,5-bipohosphate (PIP2) that produce diacyglycerol (DAG) and the cytosolic calcium Ca2+ homeostasis which are known to be essential for P. falciparum survival and proliferation, as well for membrane permeability and protein trafficking. Furthermore, in wild-type parasites, GNF179 repressed expression of Acyl CoA Synthetase, export lipase 1 and esterase enzymes. Thus, in wild-type parasites only, GNF179 treatment affected enzymes leading lipid metabolism, transport, and synthesis. Lastly, our data revealed that IPZs did not perturb known IPZ resistance genes markers pfcarl, pfact, and pfugt regulations, which are all instead possibly involved in the drug resistance that disturb membrane transport targeted by IPZ.

The patatin-like phospholipase PfPNPLA2 is involved in the mitochondrial degradation of phosphatidylglycerol during Plasmodium falciparum blood stage development

Plasmodium falciparum is an Apicomplexa responsible for human malaria, a major disease causing more than ½ million deaths every year, against which there is no fully efficient vaccine. The current rapid emergence of drug resistances emphasizes the need to identify novel drug targets. Increasing evidences show that lipid synthesis and trafficking are essential for parasite survival and pathogenesis, and that these pathways represent potential points of attack. Large amounts of phospholipids are needed for the generation of membrane compartments for newly divided parasites in the host cell. Parasite membrane homeostasis is achieved by an essential combination of parasite de novo lipid synthesis/recycling and massive host lipid scavenging. Latest data suggest that the mobilization and channeling of lipid resources is key for asexual parasite survival within the host red blood cell, but the molecular actors allowing lipid acquisition are poorly characterized. Enzymes remodeling lipids such as phospholipases are likely involved in these mechanisms. P. falciparum possesses an unusually large set of phospholipases, whose functions are largely unknown. Here we focused on the putative patatin-like phospholipase PfPNPLA2, for which we generated an glmS-inducible knockdown line and investigated its role during blood stages malaria. Disruption of the mitochondrial PfPNPLA2 in the asexual blood stages affected mitochondrial morphology and further induced a significant defect in parasite replication and survival, in particular under low host lipid availability. Lipidomic analyses revealed that PfPNPLA2 specifically degrades the parasite membrane lipid phosphatidylglycerol to generate lysobisphosphatidic acid. PfPNPLA2 knockdown further resulted in an increased host lipid scavenging accumulating in the form of storage lipids and free fatty acids. These results suggest that PfPNPLA2 is involved in the recycling of parasite phosphatidylglycerol to sustain optimal intraerythrocytic development when the host resources are scarce. This work strengthens our understanding of the complex lipid homeostasis pathways to acquire lipids and allow asexual parasite survival.

Phospholipases A and Lysophospholipases in protozoan parasites

Phospholipases (PLs) and Lysophospholipases (LysoPLs) are a diverse group of esterases responsible for phospholipid or lysophospholipid hydrolysis. They are involved in several biological processes, including lipid catabolism, modulation of the immune response and membrane maintenance. PLs are classified depending on their site of hydrolysis as PLA1, PLA2, PLC and PLD. In many pathogenic microorganisms, from bacteria to fungi, PLAs and LysoPLs have been described as critical virulence and/or pathogenicity factors. In protozoan parasites, a group containing major human and animal pathogens, growing literature show that PLAs and LysoPLs are also involved in the host infection. Their ubiquitous presence and role in host-pathogen interactions make them particularly interesting to study. In this review, we summarize the literature on PLAs and LysoPLs in several protozoan parasites of medical relevance, and discuss the growing interest for them as potential drug and vaccine targets.

Global analysis of putative phospholipases in Plasmodium falciparum reveals an essential role of the phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in parasite maturation

For its replication within red blood cells, the malaria parasite depends on a highly active and regulated lipid metabolism. Enzymes involved in lipid metabolic processes such as phospholipases are, therefore, potential drug targets. Here, using reverse genetics approaches, we show that only 1 out of the 19 putative phospholipases expressed in asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum is essential for proliferation in vitro, pointing toward a high level of redundancy among members of this enzyme family. Using conditional mislocalization and gene disruption techniques, we show that this essential phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC, PF3D7_1013500) has a previously unrecognized essential role during intracellular parasite maturation, long before its previously perceived role in parasite egress and invasion. Subsequent lipidomic analysis suggests that PI-PLC mediates cleavage of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) in schizont-stage parasites, underlining its critical role in regulating phosphoinositide levels in the parasite. IMPORTANCE The clinical symptoms of malaria arise due to repeated rounds of replication of Plasmodium parasites within red blood cells (RBCs). Central to this is an intense period of membrane biogenesis. Generation of membranes not only requires de novo synthesis and acquisition but also the degradation of phospholipids, a function that is performed by phospholipases. In this study, we investigate the essentiality of the 19 putative phospholipase enzymes that the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum expresses during its replication within RBCs. We not only show that a high level of functional redundancy exists among these enzymes but, at the same time, also identify an essential role for the phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in parasite development and cleavage of the phospholipid phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate.

A Plasmodium falciparum lysophospholipase regulates host fatty acid flux via parasite lipid storage to enable controlled asexual schizogony

Phospholipid metabolism is crucial for membrane biogenesis and homeostasis of Plasmodium falciparum. To generate such phospholipids, the parasite extensively scavenges, recycles, and reassembles host lipids. P. falciparum possesses an unusually large number of lysophospholipases, whose roles and importance remain to be elucidated. Here, we functionally characterize one P. falciparum lysophospholipase, PfLPL3, to reveal its key role in parasite propagation during asexual blood stages. PfLPL3 displays a dynamic localization throughout asexual stages, mainly localizing in the host-parasite interface. Inducible knockdown of PfLPL3 disrupts parasite development from trophozoites to schizont, inducing a drastic reduction in merozoite progenies. Detailed lipidomic analyses show that PfLPL3 generates fatty acids from scavenged host lipids to generate neutral lipids. These are then timely mobilized to allow schizogony and merozoite formation. We then identify inhibitors of PfLPL3 from Medicine for Malaria Venture (MMV) with potent antimalarial activity, which could also serve as pertinent chemical tools to study parasite lipid synthesis.

Lipid peroxidation and its repair in malaria parasites

During its life cycle, the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is subjected to elevated levels of oxidative stress that cause damage to membrane lipids, a process referred to as lipid peroxidation. Control and repair of lipid peroxidation is critical for survival of P. falciparum. Here, we present an introduction into lipid peroxidation and review the current knowledge about the control and repair of the damage caused by lipid peroxidation in P. falciparum blood stages. We also review the recent identification of host peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), as a key lipid-peroxidation-repair enzyme in P. falciparum blood stages. Such critical host factors provide novel targets for development of drugs against malaria.

Erythrocyte membrane with CLIPPKF as biomimetic nanodecoy traps merozoites and attaches to infected red blood cells to prevent Plasmodium infection

BACKGROUND

Malaria remains a serious threat to global public health. With poor efficacies of vaccines and the emergence of drug resistance, novel strategies to control malaria are urgently needed.

RESULTS

We developed erythrocyte membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles loaded with artemether based on the growth characteristics of Plasmodium. The nanoparticles could capture the merozoites to inhibit them from repeatedly infecting normal erythrocytes, owing to the interactions between merozoites and heparin-like molecules on the erythrocyte membrane. Modification with a phosphatidylserine-targeting peptide (CLIPPKF) improved the drug accumulation in infected red blood cells (iRBCs) from the externalized phosphatidylserine induced by Plasmodium infection. In Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain (pbANKA)-infected C57BL/6 mice, the nanoparticles significantly attenuated Plasmodium-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and anemia. We observed reduced weight variation and prolonged survival time in pbANKA-challenged mice, and the nanoparticles showed good biocompatibility and negligible cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

Erythrocyte membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles loaded with artemether were shown to provide safe and effective protection against Plasmodium infection.

Estimation of Cyclophilin and Phospholipase Enzyme in Women Infected with Toxoplasmosis

Background

Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite with a worldwide distribution, is considered to infect one-third of all humans. many species. The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis. Numerous physiological abnormalities are documented in toxoplasmosis-infected women.

Objective

This study aims to demonstrate the connection between cyclophilins, the phospholipase enzyme, and latent toxoplasmosis.

Methods

The research was carried out between January 2022 and June 2022. out of 150 patients had blood samples drawn, 250 had serum samples drawn from women with toxoplasma gondi infection, and 50 had healthy samples drawn from Hila city, Iraq. To exclude subjects who had any medical disorders, information from the subjects was gathered via an interviewer-managed questionnaire. ELISA was used to examine the serum. Results: About 250 samples from women with infertility were infected with Toxoplasma gondii overall (24%) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was utilized to evaluate the levels of phospholipase and cyclophilin, while automated VIDAS family instruments were employed to determine the qualitative and quantitative anti-Toxoplasma-IgG-tests (ELISA). Since there was a substantial difference in the statistical analysis and a significant difference in the cyclophilin protein, parasite infection changed the quantity of the enzyme phospholipase.

Conclusion

This study put forth the theory that toxoplasmosis infection. Our investigation showed that patients with toxoplasma Gondi infection had higher levels of cyclophilins and phospholipase than control subjects.

Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis and Serum Metabolomics to Reveal the Anti-malaria Mechanism of Artesunate

Artesunate is a widely used drug in clinical treatment of malaria. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of artesunate on malaria using an integrated strategy of network pharmacology and serum metabolomics. The mice models of malaria were established using 2 × 10⁷ red blood cells infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA injection. Giemsa and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate the efficacy of artesunate on malaria. Next, network pharmacology analysis was applied to identify target genes. Then, a metabolomics strategy has been developed to find the possible significant serum metabolites and metabolic pathways induced by artesunate. Additionally, two parts of the results were integrated to confirm each other. Giemsa and HE staining results showed that artesunate significantly inhibited the proliferation of Plasmodium and reduced liver and spleen inflammation. Based on metabolomics, 18 differential endogenous metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers related to the artesunate for treating malaria. These metabolites were mainly involved in the relevant pathways of biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids; aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. The results of the network pharmacology analysis showed 125 potential target genes related to the treatment of malaria with artesunate. The functional enrichment was mainly associated with lipid and atherosclerosis; pathways of prostate cancer and proteoglycans in cancer; and PI3K-Akt, apoptosis, NF-κB, Th17 cell, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways. These findings were partly consistent with the findings of the metabolism. Our results further suggested that artesunate could correct the inflammatory response caused by malaria through Th17 cell and NF-κB pathways. Meanwhile, our work revealed that cholesterol needed by Plasmodium berghei came directly from serum. Cholesterol and palmitic acid may be essential in the growth and reproduction of Plasmodium berghei. In summary, artesunate may have an effect on anti-malarial properties through multiple targets.

Plasmodium falciparum S-Adenosylmethionine Synthetase Is Essential for Parasite Survival through a Complex Interaction Network with Cytoplasmic and Nuclear Proteins

S-adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) is a key enzyme for the synthesis of the lone methyl donor S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), which is involved in transmethylation reactions and hence required for cellular processes such as DNA, RNA, and histone methylation, but also polyamine biosynthesis and proteostasis. In the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, PfSAMS is encoded by a single gene and has been suggested to be crucial for malaria pathogenesis and transmission; however, to date, PfSAMS has not been fully characterized. To gain deeper insight into the function of PfSAMS, we generated a conditional gene knockdown (KD) using the glmS ribozyme system. We show that PfSAMS localizes to the cytoplasm and the nucleus of blood-stage parasites. PfSAMS-KD results in reduced histone methylation and leads to impaired intraerythrocytic growth and gametocyte development. To further determine the interaction network of PfSAMS, we performed a proximity-dependent biotin identification analysis. We identified a complex network of 1114 proteins involved in biological processes such as cell cycle control and DNA replication, or transcription, but also in phosphatidylcholine and polyamine biosynthesis and proteasome regulation. Our findings highlight the diverse roles of PfSAMS during intraerythrocytic growth and sexual stage development and emphasize that PfSAMS is a potential drug target.

Human peroxiredoxin 6 is essential for malaria parasites and provides a host-based drug target

The uptake and digestion of host hemoglobin by malaria parasites during blood-stage growth leads to significant oxidative damage of membrane lipids. Repair of lipid peroxidation damage is crucial for parasite survival. Here, we demonstrate that Plasmodium falciparum imports a host antioxidant enzyme, peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), during hemoglobin uptake from the red blood cell cytosol. PRDX6 is a lipid-peroxidation repair enzyme with phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) activity. Inhibition of PRDX6 with a PLA₂ inhibitor, Darapladib, increases lipid-peroxidation damage in the parasite and disrupts transport of hemoglobin-containing vesicles to the food vacuole, causing parasite death. Furthermore, inhibition of PRDX6 synergistically reduces the survival of artemisinin-resistant parasites following co-treatment of parasite cultures with artemisinin and Darapladib. Thus, PRDX6 is a host-derived drug target for development of antimalarial drugs that could help overcome artemisinin resistance.

Defining ER-mitochondria contact dynamics in Plasmodium falciparum by targeting component of phospholipid synthesis pathway, Phosphatidylserine synthase (PfPSS)

The malaria parasite completes the asexual cycle inside the host erythrocyte, which requires extensive membrane biogenesis for its development and multiplication. Metabolic pathways for the synthesis of membrane phospholipids (PL), including phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS), are crucial for parasite survival. Here, we have studied the P. falciparum enzyme responsible for PS synthesis, Phosphatidylserine synthase (PfPSS), GFP targeting approach confirmed it to be localized in the parasite ER as well as in ER-protrusions. Detailed high resolution microscopy, using these transgenic parasites expressing PfPSS-GFP, redefined the dynamics of ER during the intraerythrocytic life cycle and its association with the mitochondria. We report for the first time presence of ER-mitochondria contact (ERMC) in Plasmodium; ERMC is formed by PfPSS containing ER-protrusions, which associate with the mitochondria surface throughout the parasite growth cycle. Further, ERMC is found to be stable and refractory to ER and mitochondrial stresses, suggesting that it is formed through strong tethering complexes. PfPSS was found to interact with other major key enzyme involved in PL synthesis, choline/Etn-phosphotransferase (CEPT), which suggest that ER is the major site for PL biosynthesis. Overall, this study defines the morphological organisation of ERMC which mediates PL synthesis/transport in the Plasmodium.

The flexibility of Apicomplexa parasites in lipid metabolism

Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular parasites responsible for major human infectious diseases such as toxoplasmosis and malaria, which pose social and economic burdens around the world. To survive and propagate, these parasites need to acquire a significant number of essential biomolecules from their hosts. Among these biomolecules, lipids are a key metabolite required for parasite membrane biogenesis, signaling events, and energy storage. Parasites can either scavenge lipids from their host or synthesize them de novo in a relict plastid, the apicoplast. During their complex life cycle (sexual/asexual/dormant), Apicomplexa infect a large variety of cells and their metabolic flexibility allows them to adapt to different host environments such as low/high fat content or low/high sugar levels. In this review, we discuss the role of lipids in Apicomplexa parasites and summarize recent findings on the metabolic mechanisms in host nutrient adaptation.

An essential vesicular-trafficking phospholipase mediates neutral lipid synthesis and contributes to hemozoin formation in Plasmodium falciparum

Background

Plasmodium falciparum is the pathogen responsible for the most devastating form of human malaria. As it replicates asexually in the erythrocytes of its human host, the parasite feeds on haemoglobin uptaken from these cells. Heme, a toxic by-product of haemoglobin utilization by the parasite, is neutralized into inert hemozoin in the food vacuole of the parasite. Lipid homeostasis and phospholipid metabolism are crucial for this process, as well as for the parasite’s survival and propagation within the host. P. falciparum harbours a uniquely large family of phospholipases, which are suggested to play key roles in lipid metabolism and utilization.

Results

Here, we show that one of the parasite phospholipase (P. falciparum lysophospholipase, PfLPL1) plays an essential role in lipid homeostasis linked with the haemoglobin degradation and heme conversion pathway. Fluorescence tagging showed that the PfLPL1 in infected blood cells localizes to dynamic vesicular structures that traffic from the host-parasite interface at the parasite periphery, through the cytosol, to get incorporated into a large vesicular lipid rich body next to the food-vacuole. PfLPL1 is shown to harbour enzymatic activity to catabolize phospholipids, and its transient downregulation in the parasite caused a significant reduction of neutral lipids in the food vacuole-associated lipid bodies. This hindered the conversion of heme, originating from host haemoglobin, into the hemozoin, and disrupted the parasite development cycle and parasite growth. Detailed lipidomic analyses of inducible knock-down parasites deciphered the functional role of PfLPL1 in generation of neutral lipid through recycling of phospholipids. Further, exogenous fatty-acids were able to complement downregulation of PfLPL1 to rescue the parasite growth as well as restore hemozoin levels.

Conclusions

We found that the transient downregulation of PfLPL1 in the parasite disrupted lipid homeostasis and caused a reduction in neutral lipids essentially required for heme to hemozoin conversion. Our study suggests a crucial link between phospholipid catabolism and generation of neutral lipids (TAGs) with the host haemoglobin degradation pathway.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01042-z.

GlmS mediated knock-down of a phospholipase expedite alternate pathway to generate phosphocholine required for phosphatidylcholine synthesis in Plasmodium falciparum

Phospholipid synthesis is crucial for membrane proliferation in malaria parasites during the entire cycle in the host cell. The major phospholipid of parasite membranes, phosphatidylcholine (PC), is mainly synthesized through the Kennedy pathway. The phosphocholine required for this synthetic pathway is generated by phosphorylation of choline derived from catabolism of the lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) scavenged from the host milieu. Here we have characterized a Plasmodium falciparum lysophospholipase (PfLPL20) which showed enzymatic activity on LPC substrate to generate choline. Using GFP- targeting approach, PfLPL20 was localized in vesicular structures associated with the neutral lipid storage bodies present juxtaposed to the food-vacuole. The C-terminal tagged glmS mediated inducible knock-down of PfLPL20 caused transient hindrance in the parasite development, however, the parasites were able to multiply efficiently, suggesting that PfLPL20 is not essential for the parasite. However, in PfLPL20 depleted parasites, transcript levels of enzyme of SDPM pathway (Serine Decarboxylase-Phosphoethanolamine Methyltransferase) were altered along with upregulation of phosphocholine and SAM levels; these results show upregulation of alternate pathway to generate the phosphocholine required for PC synthesis through the Kennedy pathway. Our study highlights presence of alternate pathways for lipid homeostasis/membrane-biogenesis in the parasite; these data could be useful to design future therapeutic approaches targeting phospholipid metabolism in the parasite.

Creative interior design by Plasmodium falciparum: Lipid metabolism and the parasite's secret chamber

Malaria parasites conceal themselves within host erythrocytes and establish a necessary logistics system through the three-membrane layered structures of these cells. To establish this system, lipid metabolism is needed for the de novo synthesis of lipids and the recycling of extracellular lipids and erythrocyte lipid components. Cholesterol supply depends on its uptake from the extracellular environment and erythrocyte cytoplasm, but phospholipids can be synthesized on their own. This differential production of lipid species creates unique modifications in the lipid profile of parasitized erythrocytes, which in turn may influence the biophysical and/or mechanical properties of organelles and vesicles and communication among them. Variations in local membrane properties possibly influence the transportation of various molecules such as parasite-derived proteins, because efficiencies in secretion, vesicle fusion and budding are partly determined by the lipid profiles. Comprehensive understanding of the parasite's lipid metabolism and the biophysics of lipid membranes provides fundamental knowledge about these pathogenic organisms and could lead to new anti-malarials.

4-Aminosalicylic Acid-based Hybrid Compounds: Synthesis and In vitro Antiplasmodial Evaluation

Background:

Malaria is a deadly and infectious disease responsible for millions of death worldwide, mostly in the African region. The malaria parasite has developed resistance to the currently used antimalarial drugs, and it has urged researchers to develop new strategies to overcome this challenge by designing different classes of antimalarials.

Objectives:

A class of hybrid compounds containing 4-aminosalicylic acid moiety was prepared via esterification and amidation reactions and characterized using FTIR, NMR and LC-MS. In vitro antiplasmodial evaluation was performed against the asexual NF54 strain of P. falciparum parasites.

Methods:

In this research, known 4-aminoquinoline derivatives were hybridized with 4- aminosalicylic acid to afford hybrid compounds via esterification and amidation reactions. 4- aminosalicylic acid, a dihydrofolate compound inhibits DNA synthesis in the folate pathway and is a potential pharmacophore for the development of antimalarials.

Results:

The LC-MS, FTIR, and NMR analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the compounds. The compounds were obtained in yields in the range of 63-80%. The hybrid compounds displayed significant antimalarial activity when compared to 4-aminosalicylic acid, which exhibited poor antimalarial activity. The IC50 value of the most potent hybrid compound, 9 was 9.54±0.57 nm.

Conclusion:

4-aminosalicylic has different functionalities, which can be used for hybridization with a wide range of compounds. It is a potential pharmacophore that can be utilized for the design of potent antimalarial drugs. It was found to be a good potentiating agent when hybridized with 4- aminoquinoline derivatives suggesting that they can be utilized for the synthesis of a new class of antimalarials.

Targeting Plasmodium with constrained peptides and peptidomimetics

Malaria remains a worldwide health concern with an estimated quarter of a billion people infected and nearly half a million deaths annually. Malaria is caused by a parasite infection from Plasmodium strains which are transmitted from mosquitoes into the human host. Although several small molecule inhibitors have been found to target the early stages of transmission and prevent parasite proliferation, multiple drug resistant parasite strains have emerged and drug resistance remains a major hurdle. As an alternative to small molecule inhibition, several peptide-based therapeutics have been explored for their potential as antimalarial compounds. Chemically constrained peptides or peptidomimetics were developed to target large binding interfaces of parasite-based proteins that have historically been difficult to selectively inhibit using small molecules. Here, we review ongoing research aimed at developing constrained peptides targeting protein-protein interactions pertinent to malaria pathogenesis. These targets include Falcipain-2, the J domain of CDPK1, myosin A tail domain interacting protein, the PKA signaling pathway, and an unclear signaling pathway involving angiotensin-derived peptides. Diverse synthetic methods were also used for each target. Merging parasite biology with synthetic strategies may provide new opportunities to develop alternative methods for uncovering novel antimalarials and may offer an alternate source for targeting drug-resistant parasite strains.

The parasitophorous vacuole of the blood-stage malaria parasite

The pathology of malaria is caused by infection of red blood cells with unicellular Plasmodium parasites. During blood-stage development, the parasite replicates within a membrane-bound parasitophorous vacuole. A central nexus for host-parasite interactions, this unique parasite shelter functions in nutrient acquisition, subcompartmentalization and the export of virulence factors, making its functional molecules attractive targets for the development of novel intervention strategies to combat the devastating impact of malaria. In this Review, we explore the origin, development, molecular composition and functions of the parasitophorous vacuole of Plasmodium blood stages. We also discuss the relevance of the malaria parasite's intravacuolar lifestyle for successful erythrocyte infection and provide perspectives for future research directions in parasitophorous vacuole biology.

A patatin-like phospholipase functions during gametocyte induction in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Patatin-like phospholipases (PNPLAs) are highly conserved enzymes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms with major roles in lipid homeostasis. The genome of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum encodes four putative PNPLAs with predicted functions during phospholipid degradation. We here investigated the role of one of the plasmodial PNPLAs, a putative PLA₂ termed PNPLA1, during blood stage replication and gametocyte development. PNPLA1 is present in the asexual and sexual blood stages and here localizes to the cytoplasm. PNPLA1-deficiency due to gene disruption or conditional gene-knockdown had no effect on intraerythrocytic growth, gametocyte development and gametogenesis. However, parasites lacking PNPLA1 were impaired in gametocyte induction, while PNPLA1 overexpression promotes gametocyte formation. The loss of PNPLA1 further leads to transcriptional down-regulation of genes related to gametocytogenesis, including the gene encoding the sexual commitment regulator AP2-G. Additionally, lipidomics of PNPLA1-deficient asexual blood stage parasites revealed overall increased levels of major phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine (PC), which is a substrate of PLA₂ . PC synthesis is known to be pivotal for erythrocytic replication, while the reduced availability of PC precursors drives the parasite into gametocytogenesis; we thus hypothesize that the higher PC levels due to PNPLA1-deficiency prevent the blood stage parasites from entering the sexual pathway.

Role of a patatin-like phospholipase in Plasmodium falciparum gametogenesis and malaria transmission

Transmission of Plasmodium falciparum involves a complex process that starts with the ingestion of gametocytes by female Anopheles mosquitoes during a blood meal. Activation of gametocytes in the mosquito midgut triggers "rounding up" followed by egress of both male and female gametes. Egress requires secretion of a perforin-like protein, PfPLP2, from intracellular vesicles to the periphery, which leads to destabilization of peripheral membranes. Male gametes also develop flagella, which assist in binding female gametes for fertilization. This process of gametogenesis, which is key to malaria transmission, involves extensive membrane remodeling as well as vesicular discharge. Phospholipase A2 enzymes (PLA2) are known to mediate membrane remodeling and vesicle secretion in diverse organisms. Here, we show that a P. falciparum patatin-like phospholipase (PfPATPL1) with PLA2 activity plays a key role in gametogenesis. Conditional deletion of the gene encoding PfPATPL1 does not affect P. falciparum blood stage growth or gametocyte development but reduces efficiency of rounding up, egress, and exflagellation of gametocytes following activation. Interestingly, deletion of the PfPATPL1 gene inhibits secretion of PfPLP2, reducing the efficiency of gamete egress. Deletion of PfPATPL1 also reduces the efficiency of oocyst formation in mosquitoes. These studies demonstrate that PfPATPL1 plays a role in gametogenesis, thereby identifying PLA2 phospholipases such as PfPATPL1 as potential targets for the development of drugs to block malaria transmission.

Role of phospholipid synthesis in the development and differentiation of malaria parasites in the blood

The life cycle of malaria parasites in both their mammalian host and mosquito vector consists of multiple developmental stages that ensure proper replication and progeny survival. The transition between these stages is fueled by nutrients scavenged from the host and fed into specialized metabolic pathways of the parasite. One such pathway is used by Plasmodium falciparum, which causes the most severe form of human malaria, to synthesize its major phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine. Much is known about the enzymes involved in the synthesis of these phospholipids, and recent advances in genetic engineering, single-cell RNA-Seq analyses, and drug screening have provided new perspectives on the importance of some of these enzymes in parasite development and sexual differentiation and have identified targets for the development of new antimalarial drugs. This Minireview focuses on two phospholipid biosynthesis enzymes of P. falciparum that catalyze phosphoethanolamine transmethylation (PfPMT) and phosphatidylserine decarboxylation (PfPSD) during the blood stages of the parasite. We also discuss our current understanding of the biochemical, structural, and biological functions of these enzymes and highlight efforts to use them as antimalarial drug targets.

Rounding precedes rupture and breakdown of vacuolar membranes minutes before malaria parasite egress from erythrocytes

Because Plasmodium falciparum replicates inside of a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) within a human erythrocyte, parasite egress requires the rupture of two limiting membranes. Parasite Ca²⁺ , kinases, and proteases contribute to efficient egress; their coordination in space and time is not known. Here, the kinetics of parasite egress were linked to specific steps with specific compartment markers, using live-cell microscopy of parasites expressing PV-targeted fluorescent proteins, and specific egress inhibitors. Several minutes before egress, under control of parasite [Ca²⁺ ]_i , the PV began rounding. Then after ~1.5 min, under control of PfPKG and SUB1, there was abrupt rupture of the PV membrane and release of vacuolar contents. Over the next ~6 min, there was progressive vacuolar membrane deterioration simultaneous with erythrocyte membrane distortion, lasting until the final minute of the egress programme when newly formed parasites mobilised and erythrocyte membranes permeabilised and then ruptured-a dramatic finale to the parasite cycle of replication.