Article
Immunology
John Rek, Sara Lynn Blanken, Joseph Okoth, Daniel Ayo, Ismail Onyige, Eric Musasizi, Jordache Ramjith, Chiara Andolina, Kjerstin Lanke, Emmanuel Arinaitwe, Peter Olwoch, Katharine A. Collins, Moses R. Kamya, Grant Dorsey, Chris Drakeley, Sarah G. Staedke, Teun Bousema, Melissa D. Conrad
Summary: This study in a high malaria transmission area in Uganda found that school-aged children and asymptomatic infections are major contributors to the malaria human infectious reservoir. Understanding the transmissibility of human infections in different settings is crucial for achieving malaria elimination. It was determined that asymptomatic infections had a higher impact on transmission compared to symptomatic infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Daniela Barbieri, Lina Gomez, Ludivine Royer, Florian Dupuy, Jean-Francois Franetich, Maurel Tefit, Marie-Esther N'Dri, Dominique Mazier, Olivier Silvie, Alicia Moreno-Sabater, Catherine Lavazec
Summary: In this study, it was found that the drug tadalafil can block malaria parasite transmission by altering the mechanical properties of infected erythrocytes. Results from in vivo experiments using a humanized mouse model showed that tadalafil treatment increased the stiffness of gametocyte-infected erythrocytes, leading to their retention by the spleen.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Achaporn Yipsirimetee, Pornpawee Chiewpoo, Rupam Tripura, Dysoley Lek, Nicholas P. J. Day, Arjen M. Dondorp, Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, Nicholas J. White, Kesinee Chotivanich
Summary: In this study, the activities of cipargamin, ganaplacide, and artesunate against artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum isolates were compared. Ganaplacide exhibited higher activities than cipargamin and artesunate, and both cipargamin and ganaplacide showed significant transmission-blocking activities against artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marta Tiburcio, Eva Hitz, Igor Niederwieser, Gavin Kelly, Heledd Davies, Christian Doerig, Oliver Billker, Till S. Voss, Moritz Treeck
Summary: Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, with sexual commitment in a small fraction of asexual blood-stage parasites initiated by external cues. The study found that a truncation in the extreme C terminus of the GDV1 protein affects its protein levels and sexual commitment, highlighting the important role of the GDV1 C terminus beyond trafficking and protein stability.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anna Maria van Eijk, Kasia Stepniewska, Jenny Hill, Steve M. Taylor, Stephen J. Rogerson, Gilles Cottrell, R. Matthew Chico, Julie R. Gutman, Halidou Tinto, Holger W. Unger, Stephanie K. Yanow, Steven R. Meshnick, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Alfredo Mayor, Subpatent Malaria Pregnancy Grp
Summary: This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of submicroscopic malaria infections in pregnant women in Asia, the Americas, and Africa. It found that submicroscopic infections were more common than microscopic infections during pregnancy, and were associated with fever in Africa. Therefore, malaria control in pregnancy should target both microscopic and submicroscopic infections.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camelia Herman, Colleen M. Leonard, Perpetua Uhomoibhi, Mark Maire, Delynn Moss, Uwem Inyang, Ado Abubakar, Abiodun Ogunniyi, Nwando Mba, Stacie M. Greby, McPaul I. Okoye, Nnaemeka C. Iriemenam, Ibrahim Maikore, Laura Steinhardt, Eric Rogier
Summary: In a nationwide HIV survey conducted in Nigeria in 2018, blood samples were collected from children aged 0-14 years and analyzed for the presence of Plasmodium antigens, DNA, and antibodies. The study found that children in Nigeria have widespread exposure to Pm, but lower rates of exposure to Po and Pv.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Melanie C. Ridgway, Daniela Cihalova, Simon H. J. Brown, Phuong Tran, Todd W. Mitchell, Alexander G. Maier
Summary: Male and female Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes play a key role in the transmission of malaria from human hosts to mosquito vectors. Research shows significant differences in lipid composition between male and female gametocytes, with female gametocytes enriched in cholesteryl esters and dihydrosphingomyelin. The study highlights the potential of targeting sex-specific gametocyte lipid metabolism as a strategy to block malaria transmission.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Michelle K. Muthui, Eizo Takashima, Brian R. Omondi, Christine Kinya, William I. Muasya, Hikaru Nagaoka, Kennedy W. Mwai, Benedict Orindi, Juliana Wambua, Teun Bousema, Chris Drakeley, Andrew M. Blagborough, Kevin Marsh, Philip Bejon, Melissa C. Kapulu
Summary: Naturally acquired immunity to gametocyte antigens plays a crucial role in interrupting transmission, influenced by age and concurrent parasitaemia. Novel candidates for evaluating transmission-blocking activity have been identified in this study.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Lorenz M. Hofer, Prisca A. Kweyamba, Rajabu M. Sayi, Mohamed S. Chabo, Sonali L. Maitra, Sarah J. Moore, Mgeni M. Tambwe
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), light microscopy (LM) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in detecting asymptomatic malaria infections that can transmit to mosquitoes. The results showed that mRDT detected the highest infection rate, while subpatent mRDT infections contributed marginally to the pool of oocyts-infected mosquitoes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Meta Leshabane, Godwin Akpeko Dziwornu, Dina Coertzen, Janette Reader, Phanankosi Moyo, Mariette van der Watt, Kelly Chisanga, Consolata Nsanzubuhoro, Richard Ferger, Erica Erlank, Nelius Venter, Lizette Koekemoer, Kelly Chibale, Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
Summary: This study identified benzimidazole derivatives with activity against various developmental stages of Plasmodium parasites, showing potential for the development of novel antimalarial drugs.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jonas A. Kengne-Ouafo, Saikou Y. Bah, Alison Kemp, Lindsay Stewart, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Kirk W. Deitsch, Julian C. Rayner, Oliver Billker, Fred N. Binka, Colin J. Sutherland, Gordon A. Awandare, Britta C. Urban, Bismarck Dinko
Summary: Recent advances in transcriptomic analysis have greatly improved our understanding of the developmental biology of malaria parasites. However, most studies have relied on laboratory strains and have not assessed the transcriptomes of clinical isolates. This study compared the global transcriptome of mid-stage gametocytes from three clinical isolates with a laboratory strain, revealing both consistencies and differences in gene expression.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jonas A. Kengne-Ouafo, Saikou Y. Bah, Alison Kemp, Lindsay Stewart, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Kirk W. Deitsch, Julian C. Rayner, Oliver Billker, Fred N. Binka, Colin J. Sutherland, Gordon A. Awandare, Britta C. Urban, Bismarck Dinko
Summary: Recent advances in transcriptomic analysis have greatly enhanced our understanding of the developmental biology of malaria parasites. However, there is a lack of assessment on the transcriptomes of clinical isolates circulating in human populations. In this study, RNA-seq was used to compare the global transcriptome of mid-stage gametocytes derived from clinical isolates with a reference laboratory strain. The results showed differences in gene expression profiles between the clinical isolates and the reference strain, suggesting increased investment in gametocytogenesis in clinical isolates.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ashleigh Roberds, Carolyne Kifude, Janet Oyieko, Stephen Ocholla, James Mutunga, David Oullo, Charles Waga, Zhaozhang Li, Shirley Luckhart, V. Ann Stewart
Summary: Despite significant developments towards malaria reduction, the transmission of parasites in the context of HIV-1 co-infection and treatment has not been fully understood. This study aimed to examine the impact of HIV-1-malaria co-infection, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and antimalarials on Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte prevalence and transmission to mosquitoes. The results showed that HIV-1 status and treatment did not predict gametocyte prevalence or transmission, but initiation of ART and antimalarial treatment was associated with a significant reduction in gametocyte prevalence in newly diagnosed HIV-1 and malaria positive individuals.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sony Shrestha, Amuza Byaruhanga Lucky, Awtum Marie Brashear, Xiaolian Li, Liwang Cui, Jun Miao
Summary: This study profiled the histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the development of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes, revealing novel PTM sites and distinct patterns from asexual stages. The results suggest that these PTMs play critical roles in gametocyte development and provide insights into the epigenetic regulation in the life cycle of the malaria parasite.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vikash Kumar, Ankita Behl, Rumaisha Shoaib, Mohammad Abid, Maxim Shevtsov, Shailja Singh
Summary: In this review, we summarize the information on prefoldin family members in archaea and humans, and analyze the unexplored subunits of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). By comparing with the homologs in archaea and H. sapiens, we enhance the understanding of the functions, structure, and substrate binding mechanism of Pf prefoldin. Our review also highlights the importance of certain PfPFD subunits in malaria parasite biology, as well as their up-regulation during different stages of the parasite life cycle.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Marielle K. Bouyou-Akotet, Marie-Louise Tshibola, Denise P. Mawili-Mboumba, Julie Nzong, Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Gladys Tsoumbou-Bakana, Maryvonne Kombila
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2015)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Matthew McConville, Jorge Fernandez, Inigo Angulo-Barturen, Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Lluis Ballell-Pages, Pablo Castaneda, Cristina de Cozar, Benigno Crespo, Laura Guijarro, Maria Belen Jimenez-Diaz, Maria S. Martinez-Martinez, Jaime de Mercado, Angel Santos-Villarejo, Laura M. Sanz, Micol Frigerio, Gina Washbourn, Stephen A. Ward, Gemma L. Nixon, Giancarlo A. Biagin, Neil G. Berry, Michael J. Blackman, Felix Calderon, Paul M. O'Neill
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2015)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Maria G. Gomez-Lorenzo, Joel Lelievre, Ane Rodriguez Alejandre, Maria Jesus Almela, Sonia Lozano, Esperanza Herreros, Francisco-Javier Gamo
Article
Infectious Diseases
Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Ane Rodriguez Alejandre, Vanesa Gomez, Sara Viera, Maria G. Gomez-Lorenzo, Laura Maria Sanz-Alonso, Alfonso Mendoza-Losana
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Julien Duez, Mario Carucci, Irene Garcia-Barbazan, Matias Corral, Oscar Perez, Jesus Luis Presa, Benoit Henry, Camille Roussel, Papa Alioune Ndour, Noemi Bahamontes Rosa, Laura Sanz, Francisco-Javier Gamo, Pierre Buffet
Article
Parasitology
Maria G. Gomez-Lorenzo, Ane Rodriguez-Alejandre, Sonia Moliner-Cubel, Maria Martinez-Hoyos, Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Ruben Gonzalez del Rio, Carolina Rodenas, Jesus de la Fuente, Jose Luis Lavandera, Jose F. Garcia-Bustos, Alfonso Mendoza-Losana
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2018)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuerong Li, Huiqing Chen, Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Jurgen F. J. Kun, Boubacar Traore, Peter D. Crompton, Athar H. Chishti
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2009)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Ane Rodriguez-Alejandre, Ruben Gonzalez-del-Rio, Jose Francisco Garcia-Bustos, Alfonso Mendoza-Losana
MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL PARASITOLOGY
(2012)
Article
Parasitology
N. Bahamontes-Rosa, A. Robin, A. R. Ambrosio, I. Messias-Reason, E. Beitz, S. L. Flitsch, J. F. J. Kun
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2008)
Article
Parasitology
N. Bahamontes-Rosa, K. Bucher, J. Held, A. Robin, W. H. Hoffmann, S. L. Flitsch, P. G. Kremsner, J. F. J. Kun
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2009)
Article
Hematology
Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Cristina Tena-Tomas, Jana Wolkow, Peter G. Kremsner, Juergen F. Kun
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Binghua Wu, Eric Beitz, Peter G. Kremsner, Juergen F. J. Kun
MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL PARASITOLOGY
(2007)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Aelig Robin, Fraser Brown, Noemi Bahamontes-Rosa, Binghua Wu, Eric Beitz, Jurgen F. J. Kun, Sabine L. Flitsch
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2007)
Article
Parasitology
FB Ntumngia, N Bahamontes-Rosa, JFJ Kun
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2005)