Expression profiles of peroxiredoxins in liver stage of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei

mRNA and protein expression profiles for three peroxiredoxins (TPx-1, TPx-2 and 1-Cys Prx) of liver stage Plasmodium berghei were examined through quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy assay (IFA). RT-PCR experiments revealed that mRNA expression for the TPx-1 was detected shortly after the sporozoite infection and kept expressed until the schizont stage. In contrast, the mRNA expression for 1-Cys Prx had begun increasing when the parasite developed into the schizont stage. Using the IFA, TPx-1 and 1-Cys Prx were detected in the cytosol. This finding suggested the developmental stage-specific expression of the cytosolic enzymes in the liver stage parasite. On the other hand, the mRNA expression for TPx-2 had begun increasing at the trophozoite stage and peaked at the schizont stage. In the IFA, TPx-2 was found localized in the mitochondria. The increase of TPx-2 might be explained by the exponential development of the parasite during the schizont stage requiring ATP production which may induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The expression profiles for peroxiredoxins of liver stage P. berghei were examined. ► TPx-1 and 1-Cys Prx are localized in the cytosol while TPx-2 is in the mitochondria. ► RT-PCR result shows constant expression of TPx-1 during the liver stage parasites. ► 1-Cys Prx began increasing when the parasite developed into the schizont stage. ► TPx-2 began increasing at the trophozoite stage and peaked at the schizont stage.