Malaria infection induces a conformational change in erythrocyte band 3 protein.

Abstract

Sequestration in the microvessels of the deep tissues is a signal characteristic of the human malaria Plasmodium falciparum. The adhesion of P. falciparum-infected cells to the post-capillary endothelial cells in various tissues contributes to both the pathology of the disease (i.e. organ infarcts and coma) and parasite survival (i.e. the microaerophilic environment favors plasmodial growth while avoiding passage through and destruction in the spleen). This report identifies a conformational change in a region of band 3 protein involved in the enhanced adhesiveness of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes.

• Authors: Enrique Winograd, Irwin W Sherman
• Journal: Molecular and biochemical parasitology (Mol Biochem Parasitol) Vol. 138 Issue 1 Pg. 83-7 (Nov 2004) ISSN: 0166-6851 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 15500919 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Anion Exchange Protein 1, Erythrocyte
• Acridine Orange

Topics

• Acridine Orange
• Animals
• Anion Exchange Protein 1, Erythrocyte (chemistry)
• Cell Adhesion
• Erythrocytes (parasitology)
• Humans
• Malaria, Falciparum (parasitology, pathology)
• Plasmodium falciparum (pathogenicity)
• Protein Conformation