Document Detail


Studies on cell-cycle synchronization in the asexual erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  17034650     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Multiplication of Plasmodium parasites within human erythrocytes is essential to malarial disease. The cell-division cycle of this organism, however, is still poorly understood. In other eukaryotes, various techniques for (apparent) cell-cycle synchronization have been used to shed light on the mechanisms involved in cell division and its control. Thus far there is no technique for cell-cycle synchronization (as opposed to selection of parasites of a limited age-range) in Plasmodium. We therefore investigated the possibility that inhibitors of DNA synthesis, the mitotic spindle, or cell-cycle control elements (such as cyclin-dependent kinases) could be used to synchronize P. falciparum cultures to a particular cell-cycle phase. Surprisingly, most of these compounds did not cause a block at a specific phase. Three compounds, Hoechst 33342, roscovitine and L-mimosine, did block development at the trophozoite-schizont transition (S or G2 phase). The block caused by the latter 2 inhibitors was reversible, suggesting that they might be used as synchronizing agents. However, a consideration of the perturbing effects of inhibitors and problems with 'batch' synchronization techniques in general lead us to believe that any results obtained using roscovitine- or L-mimosine-treated parasites may not be reflective of the normal cell cycle.
Authors:
J A Naughton; A Bell
Publication Detail:
Type:  Evaluation Studies; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2006-10-11
Journal Detail:
Title:  Parasitology     Volume:  134     ISSN:  0031-1820     ISO Abbreviation:  Parasitology     Publication Date:  2007 Mar 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2007-02-01     Completed Date:  2007-04-25     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0401121     Medline TA:  Parasitology     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  331-7     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Benzimidazoles / pharmacology
Cell Cycle / drug effects*
DNA, Protozoan / biosynthesis,  drug effects
Erythrocytes / parasitology*
Humans
Mimosine / pharmacology
Parasitology / methods
Plasmodium falciparum / cytology*,  drug effects,  growth & development
Purines / pharmacology
Schizonts / drug effects,  growth & development
Trophozoites / drug effects,  growth & development
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Benzimidazoles; 0/DNA, Protozoan; 0/Purines; 0/roscovitine; 23491-52-3/HOE 33342; 500-44-7/Mimosine

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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