Clag9 is not essential for PfEMP1 surface expression in non-cytoadherent Plasmodium falciparum parasites with a chromosome 9 deletion.

Background: The expression of the clonally variant virulence factor PfEMP1 mediates the sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes in the host vasculature and contributes to chronic infection. Non-cytoadherent parasites with a chromosome 9 deletion lack clag9, a gene linked to cytoadhesion in previous studies. Here we present new clag9 data that challenge this view and show that surface the non-cytoadherence phenotype is linked to the expression of a non-functional PfEMP1.

Identification of a novel post-translational modification in Plasmodium falciparum: protein sumoylation in different cellular compartments.

SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier) conjugation is a post-translational modification implicated in a variety of cellular functions including transcriptional regulation, nuclear location and signal transduction. Sumoylation, although conserved and vital in eukaryotes, has not been studied in malaria parasites. Here, we identify SUMO conjugation of blood stage parasites of Plasmodium falciparum.

Leishmania DNA is rapidly degraded following parasite death: an analysis by microscopy and real-time PCR.

Control of human leishmaniases relies on appropriate diagnosis and reliable methods for monitoring chemotherapy. The current method used for estimation of parasite burden during chemotherapy patient follow-up as well as in pharmacological studies performed in experimental models involves PCR-based assays. Compared to time-consuming conventional methods, this type of Leishmania DNA detection-based method is extremely sensitive, but could fail in distinguishing viable Leishmania from slowly degenerating ones.

Interexperimental and interindividual variations of DNA repair capacities after UV-B and UV-C irradiations of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

DNA repair plays a central role in the cellular response to UV. In this work we have studied the response of skin cells (i.e.