Development of protocols for generation of Plasmodium knowlesi gametocytes

Gametocytes are sexual forms of plasmodium, responsible for transmission from the vertebrate host to the invertebrate (Anopheles mosquitoes). Techniques for generating gametocytes in vitro allowed the characterization of these forms of Plasmodium falciparum, the identification of molecular markers and drug studies to block malaria transmission. However, gametocytes show marked differences between Plasmodium species. P. falciparum gametocytes are sickle-shaped and take 10 to 14 days to mature. Gametocytes of Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae have a circular shape and develop in 30-48 hours. Molecular markers identified in P. falciparum do not appear to be exclusive to gametocytes in P. vivax and P. knowlesi. In the case of P. knowlesi, the number of gametocytes in culture is very low, making the study difficult. Different protocols are used to generate gametocytes in vitro, but few have been tested in P. knowlesi. Recently, researchers have used transgenic parasites to induce gametocytogenesis in a controlled manner, exponentially increasing the number of sexual forms.

Project details

Basic Science

Jun 2024 — Dec 2024

Brazil