Sex: how malaria parasites get turned on

Curr Biol. 2014 May 5;24(9):R368-70. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.03.046.

Abstract

The mechanisms underlying sexual stage switching in Plasmodium spp. have hitherto remained a mystery. However, two recent studies have revealed that an apicomplexan-specific DNA-binding protein is essential for the initiation of this cell fate decision, ultimately providing the malaria community with a novel and important tool in the battle to prevent malaria transmission.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics*
  • Germ Cells / growth & development*
  • Malaria / parasitology*
  • Male
  • Parasites / physiology*
  • Plasmodium berghei / genetics*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics*
  • Sexual Development / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics*