The microneme proteins CTRP and SOAP are not essential for <it>Plasmodium berghei </it>ookinete to oocyst transformation <it>in vitro </it>in a cell free system

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Two <it>Plasmodium berghei </it>ookinete micronemal proteins, circumsporozoite and TRAP related protein (CTRP) and secreted ookinete adhesive protein (SOAP) both interact with the basal lamina component laminin. Following gene disruption studies it has been proposed that, apart from their role in motility, these proteins may be required for interactions leading to ookinete-to-oocyst transformation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>CTRP and SOAP null mutant <it>P. berghei </it>ookinetes were compared to <it>P. berghei </it>ANKA wild-type for their ability to transform and grow <it>in vitro</it>. To confirm <it>in vitro </it>findings for <it>P</it>. <it>berghei </it>CTRP-KO ookinetes were injected into the haemocoel of <it>An</it>opheles <it>gambiae </it>female mosquitoes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Transformation, growth, and viability were comparable for the gene disrupted and wild-type parasites. <it>P</it>. <it>berghei </it>CTRP-KO ookinetes were able to transform into oocysts in the haemocoel of <it>An</it>. <it>gambiae </it>mosquitoes.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Neither CTRP nor SOAP is required for parasite transformation <it>in vitro</it>. By-passing the midgut lumen allows for the transformation of <it>P</it>. <it>berghei </it>CTRP-KO ookinetes suggesting that it is not required for transformation <it>in vivo</it>.</p>

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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