Changes in K⁺ Concentration as a Signaling Mechanism in the Apicomplexa Parasites <i>Plasmodium</i> and <i>Toxoplasma</i>

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• calcium
• GPCR
• malaria
• PfSR25
• <i>Plasmodium berghei</i>
• <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>