Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Pages: e0174837-

Journal: PLoS ONE

Volume number: 12

Issue number: 4

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174837

Publisher: Public Library of Science

Abstract: 

Hydrogen peroxide is an important antimicrobial agent but is also crucially involved in redox signaling and pathogen-host cell interactions. As a basis for systematically investigating intracellular H₂O₂ dynamics and regulation in living malaria parasites, we established the genetically encoded fluorescent H₂O₂ sensors roGFP2-Orp1 and HyPer-3 in Plasmodium falciparum. Both ratiometric redox probes as well as the pH control SypHer were expressed in the cytosol of blood-stage parasites. Both redox sensors showed reproducible sensitivity towards H₂O₂ in the lower micromolar range in vitro and in the parasites. Due to the pH sensitivity of HyPer-3, we used parasites expressing roGFP2-Orp1 for evaluation of short-, medium-, and long-term effects of antimalarial drugs on H₂O₂ levels and detoxification in Plasmodium. None of the quinolines or artemisinins tested had detectable direct effects on the H₂O₂ homeostasis at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. However, pre-treatment of the cells with antimalarial drugs or heat shock led to a higher tolerance towards exogenous H₂O₂. The systematic evaluation and comparison of the two genetically encoded cytosolic H₂O₂ probes in malaria parasites provides a basis for studying parasite-host cell interactions or drug effects with spatio-temporal resolution while preserving cell integrity.

Harvard Citation style: Rahbari, M., Rahlfs, S., Jortzik, E., Bogeski, I. and Becker, K. (2017) H2O2 dynamics in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, PLoS ONE, 12(4), p. e0174837. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174837

APA Citation style: Rahbari, M., Rahlfs, S., Jortzik, E., Bogeski, I., & Becker, K. (2017). H2O2 dynamics in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS ONE. 12(4), e0174837. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174837