Abstract
eIF2α kinases are stress sensors that respond to external stimuli by phosphorylating the eukaryotic initiation factor eIF2α. This response downregulates cellular protein synthesis but induces the translation of select mRNAs to allow stress survival. In Plasmodium, there are three eIF2α kinases: PfeIK1 responds to amino acid deprivation, while the other two are involved in controlling parasite development. Of the latter kinases, PfPK4 is essential for intraerythrocytic survival, while PfeIK2 controls salivary gland sporozoite latency. The study of parasite eIF2α kinases is broadening the present view of the role of these kinases in cellular and organismal function.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Protein Phosphorylation in Parasites |
| Subtitle of host publication | Novel Targets for Antiparasitic Intervention |
| Publisher | wiley |
| Pages | 123-130 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9783527675401 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9783527332359 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 11 2013 |