Plasmodium falciparum PhIL1-associated complex plays an essential role in merozoite reorientation and invasion of host erythrocytes
Fig 5
PfGAPM2 and PfPhIP function is essential for invasion of the host cell by the merozoites.
Merozoites released from GlcN treated (A) PfPhIP-HA-glmS and (B) PfGAPM2-HA-glmS parasites were stained using antibodies against PfGAP50 (green, top panel), PfEBA175 (green, middle panel), PfRON2 (green) and PfAMA1 (red) (lower panel). Staining for these marker proteins showed normal micronemal and rhoptry organelles, however, it was observed that the discharge of contents from these apical organelles was affected. Also, the apical end of the merozoites, attached to the host was not aligned towards the erythrocyte membrane. Scale bar = 5 μm. (C) 3D reconstruction of the merozoites from PfPhIP or PfGAPM2 deficient parasites arrested on the RBC surface using Imaris 9. See also S7 Fig. (D) Percentage distribution of PhIP- and GAPM2-iKD parasites in the presence of glucosamine w.r.t to PfRON2 was quantified for staining pattern which is either distant from or in proximity to the erythrocyte surface. (E) Schematic showing the effect of PhIP and GAPM2 depletion on the secretion of invasion ligands from the apical complex of merozoite compared to a healthy, invasive merozoite.