Example cortical structure of a Plasmodium zoite and alveolin subcellular location in the subpellicular network (SPN).

Studies identify roles for IMC1g that are compatible with those reported for other alveolins expressed solely in the mosquito stages (e.g., IMC1a, IMC1b, IMC1h [1,4,5]), including contributions to tensile strength, cytoskeletal integrity, and zoite locomotion. A possible exception is cell shape, which was not obviously affected by IMC1g depletion, especially in merozoites. This could reflect the distinct repertoires of expressed alveolins, or the rounder shape of the merozoite compared to the elongated ookinete and sporozoite.Tremp AZ, Saeed S, Dessens JT. IMC1g knockdowns reveal malaria blood-stage alveolin functions. Trends Parasitol. 2024. PMID: 39668051.