Genetic factors regulating Plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis identified by phenotypic screens.

Successful transmission of Plasmodium falciparum from one person to another relies on the complete intraerythrocytic development of non-pathogenic sexual gametocytes infectious for anopheline mosquitoes. Understanding the genetic factors that regulate gametocyte development is vital for identifying transmission-blocking targets in the malaria parasite life cycle. Toward this end, we conducted a forward genetic study to characterize the development of gametocytes from sexual commitment to mature stage V.

Use of the Abrysvo Vaccine in Pregnancy to Prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants: A Review.

The FDA's approval of Pfizer's new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion (preF) vaccine, Abrysvo, marks a critical milestone in infant health and well-being by preventing lower respiratory tract infections in the most vulnerable. The vaccine has been approved for administration to pregnant women at 32 to 36 weeks of gestation and elderly people over 60. This review explores the Abrysvo vaccine, detailing its mechanism, efficacy, safety, and adverse events.

Phenotypic Screens Identify Genetic Factors Associated with Gametocyte Development in the Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Transmission of the deadly malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum from humans to mosquitoes is achieved by specialized intraerythrocytic sexual forms called gametocytes. Though the crucial regulatory mechanisms leading to gametocyte commitment have recently come to light, networks of genes that control sexual development remain to be elucidated. Here, we report a pooled-mutant screen to identify genes associated with gametocyte development in P.

Chemogenomic Profiling of a Plasmodium falciparum Transposon Mutant Library Reveals Shared Effects of Dihydroartemisinin and Bortezomib on Lipid Metabolism and Exported Proteins.

The antimalarial activity of the frontline drug artemisinin involves generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative damage of parasite proteins. To achieve homeostasis and maintain protein quality control in the overwhelmed parasite, the ubiquitin-proteasome system kicks in. Even though molecular markers for artemisinin resistance like have been identified, the intricate network of mechanisms driving resistance remains to be elucidated.

Targeting Gametocytes of the Malaria Parasite in a Functional Genomics Era: Next Steps.

Mosquito transmission of the deadly malaria parasite is mediated by mature sexual forms (gametocytes). Circulating in the vertebrate host, relatively few intraerythrocytic gametocytes are picked up during a bloodmeal to continue sexual development in the mosquito vector. Human-to-vector transmission thus represents an infection bottleneck in the parasite's life cycle for therapeutic interventions to prevent malaria.