Nature microbiology

A chemical change to DNA-packaging proteins helps malaria parasites decide to become male or female

Updated

Abstract

Deletion of either Rad6B or Tex1 results in severe defects in gametocyte production and oocyst formation.

  • Plasmodium yoelii E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes were systematically profiled for their roles in parasite development.
  • The Rad6B-Tex1 complex is crucial for gametocytogenesis and transmission to mosquito vectors.
  • Histone H2B monoubiquitination by the Rad6B-Tex1 complex is observed in both Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium falciparum.
  • This process enhances H3K4 tri-methylation at the promoter of the gene encoding transcription factor AP2-G.
  • Induction of AP2-G expression is associated with the initiation of sexual commitment in malaria parasites.

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