Schematic representation of the signaling pathway involving K+ in Plasmodium spp. During its asexual developmental phases. In the erythrocytic stage, the exposure of P. falciparum to variations in [K+] is perceived by the GPCR-like PfSR25, which transmits the signal through the activation of phospholipase C (PLC). After PLC activation, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) are formed. IP3 activates an IP3 receptor (hypothetical IP3R) to release calcium (Ca2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The increase in cytosolic levels of Ca2+ activates the Ca2+-dependent protein kinases CDPK1 and PKB, leading to the release of microneme proteins essential for the infection of new erythrocytes.

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