"Single-cell transcriptomics reveal transcriptional programs underlying male and female cell fate during plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis"
We’re excited to share our latest paper published in Nature Communication, part of an exciting collaboration with the Henriksson Lab at MIMS, Umeå University, the Slotte Lab at DEEP, Stockholm University, and SciLifeLab.
In this study, we explored the transcriptional programs driving the development of male and female Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. By using a fluorescence-expressing transgenic line combined with FACS-based cell enrichment, we were able to conduct single-cell RNA sequencing throughout gametocyte maturation. Our analyses identified key P. falciparum ApiAP2 transcription factors specifically linked to the male and female lineages, and we defined new panels of putative “driver genes” for the male and the female cell fates.
Our findings offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying gametocyte development, contributing to the broader understanding of malaria transmission and offering potential targets for future intervention strategies.
