Lipid droplet dynamics are essential for the development of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
J Cell Sci
; 2024 Jul 04.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38962997
ABSTRACT
Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles central to lipid and energy homeostasis across all eukaryotes. In the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum the roles of LDs in lipid acquisition from its host cells and their metabolism are poorly understood, despite the high demand for lipids in parasite membrane synthesis. We systematically characterised LD size, composition and dynamics across the disease-causing blood infection. Applying split fluorescence emission analysis and 3D Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscopy, we observed a decrease in LD size in late schizont stages. LD contraction likely signifies a switch from lipid accumulation to lipid utilisation in preparation for parasite egress from host red blood cells. We demonstrate connections between LDs and several parasite organelles, pointing to potential functional interactions. Chemical inhibition of triacylglyerol (TAG) synthesis or break-down revealed essential LD functions for schizogony and in counteracting lipid toxicity. The dynamics of lipid synthesis, storage and utilisation in P. falciparum LDs might provide a target for new anti-malarial intervention strategies.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
J Cell Sci
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Australia