Characterization of plasmodium falciparum calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (PFCDPK1) and its role in microneme secretion during erythrocyte invasion

Abstract

Background: Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) play essential roles in malaria parasite life cycle. Results: Peptide P3 from the junction domain of Plasmodium falciparum CDPK1 (PfCDPK1) as well as purfalcamine inhibit PfCDPK1 activity to block microneme discharge and erythrocyte invasion. Conclusion: PfCDPK1 regulates microneme discharge, a key process in erythrocyte invasion by malaria parasites. Significance: PfCDPK1 is a potential target for drugs that block blood stage growth of malaria parasites. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) play important roles in the life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum and other apicomplexan parasites. CDPKs commonly have an N-terminal kinase domain (KD) and a C-terminal calmodulin-like domain (CamLD) with calcium-binding EF hands. The KD and CamLD are separated by a junction domain (JD). Previous studies on Plasmodium and Toxoplasma CDPKs suggest a role for the JD andCamLDin the regulation of kinase activity. Here, we provide direct evidence for the binding of the CamLD with the P3 region (Leu356 to Thr370) of the JD in the presence of calcium (Ca2+). Moreover, site-directed mutagenesis of conserved hydrophobic residues in the JD (F363A/I364A, L356A, and F350A) abrogates functional activity of PfCDPK1, demonstrating the importance of these residues in PfCDPK1 function. Modeling studies suggest that these residues play a role in interaction of theCamLDwith the JD. The P3 peptide, which specifically inhibits the functional activity ofPfCDPK1, blocksmicronemedischargeanderythrocyte invasion by P. falciparum merozoites. Purfalcamine, a previously identified specific inhibitor of PfCDPK1, also inhibits microneme dischargeanderythrocyte invasion, confirming a role forPfCDPK1 in this process. These studies validatePfCDPK1as a target for drug development and demonstrate that interfering with its mechanistic regulation may provide a novel approach to design-specific PfCDPK1 inhibitors that limit blood stage parasite growth and clear malaria parasite infections. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.