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Commit, hide and escape: the story of Plasmodium gametocytes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 July 2018

Divya Beri ,
Balu Balan  and
Utpal Tatu Open the ORCID record for Utpal Tatu [Opens in a new window]
Divya Beri
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
Balu Balan
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
Utpal Tatu*
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
*
Author for correspondence: Utpal Tatu, E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected]
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Abstract

Malaria is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in tropical countries. The causative agent, Plasmodium sp., has a complex life cycle and is armed with various mechanisms which ensure its continuous transmission. Gametocytes represent the sexual stage of the parasite and are indispensable for the transmission of the parasite from the human host to the mosquito. Despite its vital role in the parasite's success, it is the least understood stage in the parasite's life cycle. The presence of gametocytes in asymptomatic populations and induction of gametocytogenesis by most antimalarial drugs warrants further investigation into its biology. With a renewed focus on malaria elimination and advent of modern technology available to biologists today, the field of gametocyte biology has developed swiftly, providing crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms driving sexual commitment. This review will summarise key current findings in the field of gametocyte biology and address the associated challenges faced in malaria detection, control and elimination.

Keywords

GametocytemalariaPlasmodiumsexual commitment
Type
Special Issue Review
Information
Parasitology , Volume 145 , Special Issue 13: 2017 Autumn Symposium of the British Society for Parasitology The multi-disciplinarity of parasitology: Host-parasite evolution in an ever changing world , November 2018 , pp. 1772 - 1782
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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