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Changes in K + Concentration as a Signaling Mechanism in the Apicomplexa Parasites Plasmodium and Toxoplasma .

Benedito M Dos SantosJude M PrzyborskiCélia R S Garcia
Published in: International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
During their life cycle, apicomplexan parasites pass through different microenvironments and encounter a range of ion concentrations. The discovery that the GPCR-like SR25 in Plasmodium falciparum is activated by a shift in potassium concentration indicates that the parasite can take advantage of its development by sensing different ionic concentrations in the external milieu. This pathway involves the activation of phospholipase C and an increase in cytosolic calcium. In the present report, we summarize the information available in the literature regarding the role of potassium ions during parasite development. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms that allow the parasite to cope with ionic potassium changes contributes to our knowledge about the cell cycle of Plasmodium spp.
Keyphrases
  • plasmodium falciparum
  • cell cycle
  • life cycle
  • cell proliferation
  • systematic review
  • ionic liquid
  • healthcare
  • small molecule
  • quantum dots
  • social media
  • solid state
  • health information
  • water soluble