Journal Article

FZJ-2014-04729

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Membrane-Wrapping Contributions to Malaria Parasite Invasion of the Human Erythrocyte

Dasgupta, S. (Corresponding Author)FZJ* ; Auth, T.FZJ* ; Gov, N. ; Satchwell, T. ; Hanssen, E. ; Zuccala, E. ; Riglar, D. ; Toye, A. ; Betz, T. ; Baum, J. ; Gompper, G.FZJ*

2014
Rockefeller Univ. Press New York, NY

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/7920  doi:10.1016/j.bpj.2014.05.024

Abstract: The blood stage malaria parasite, the merozoite, has a small window of opportunity during which it must successfully target and invade a human erythrocyte. The process of invasion is nonetheless remarkably rapid. To date, mechanistic models of invasion have focused predominantly on the parasite actomyosin motor contribution to the energetics of entry. Here, we have conducted a numerical analysis using dimensions for an archetypal merozoite to predict the respective contributions of the host-parasite interactions to invasion, in particular the role of membrane wrapping. Our theoretical modeling demonstrates that erythrocyte membrane wrapping alone, as a function of merozoite adhesive and shape properties, is sufficient to entirely account for the first key step of the invasion process, that of merozoite reorientation to its apex and tight adhesive linkage between the two cells. Next, parasite-induced reorganization of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton and release of parasite-derived membrane can also account for a considerable energetic portion of actual invasion itself, through membrane wrapping. Thus, contrary to the prevailing dogma, wrapping by the erythrocyte combined with parasite-derived membrane release can markedly reduce the expected contributions of the merozoite actomyosin motor to invasion. We therefore propose that invasion is a balance between parasite and host cell contributions, evolved toward maximal efficient use of biophysical forces between the two cells.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Theorie der Weichen Materie und Biophysik (IAS-2)
2. Theorie der Weichen Materie und Biophysik (ICS-2)

Research Program(s):

1. 451 - Soft Matter Composites (POF2-451) (POF2-451)

Appears in the scientific report 2014

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Database coverage:
; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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