Time for killing: do malaria parasites have a (circadian) clock?

Several observations suggest that malaria parasites synchronise their development with the daily rhythm of their hosts, yet until very recently there was no evidence for gene expression patterns consistent with a circadian rhythmicity in the parasite. Here we investigated the gene expression patterns during gametocytogenesis. A very dynamic and strongly stage-specific gene expression profile has been identified, where most genes showed peak expression only for about a day. While this hindered identification of clear circadian patterns, our study provides important information regarding genes required during gametocytogenesis and could help understanding and targeting sexual development of the parasite. Malaria parasites have a complex lifecycle involving a mosquito and a human host. Several observations suggest that they synchronise their development with the daily rhythm of the hosts, yet there is no evidence for a circadian clock being operational in the parasite. These initial insights could transform our understanding about the biology of malaria parasite and advise strategies to combat a deadly disease.

Project details

Basic Science

Sep 2020 — Feb 2022

The Netherlands