Scientific article
OA Policy
English

A modular chromosomal passenger complex rewires chromosome segregation in Plasmodium berghei

Published inNature communications, vol. 17, no. 1, 7788
First online date2026-06-20
Abstract

Faithful chromosome segregation relies on precise kinetochore-microtubule interactions and checkpoint surveillance, yet the molecular basis of these processes varies widely across eukaryotes and is only beginning to be defined in apicomplexan parasites. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei , chromosome segregation is especially critical during transmission from host to mosquito: rapid mitoses generate male gametes, and meiosis in the zygote seeds the next round of infection. Here, we identify Aurora-related kinase 1 (ARK1) as a central regulator of chromosome segregation in both mitotic and meiotic contexts. ARK1 localises to spindle poles, spindles, and kinetochores, and its depletion results in short and multipolar spindles, kinetochore misalignment, and failed chromosome partitioning. ARK1 forms a minimal Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC) with INCENP-A during male gametogenesis, but associates with additional components, including INCENP-B, kinetochores, centromeric histones, and spindle assembly checkpoint proteins, during meiosis. This stage-specific modularity supports efficient male gamete formation while safeguarding faithful chromosome inheritance during zygote development, thereby ensuring parasite transmission to the mosquito. Together, our findings indicate that P. berghei deploys distinct CPC states across sexual development, revealing developmental plasticity in chromosome-segregation control and a potential vulnerability for blocking transmission.

Keywords
  • Animals
  • Aurora Kinases / genetics
  • Aurora Kinases / metabolism
  • Chromosome Segregation / genetics
  • Kinetochores / metabolism
  • Male
  • Meiosis
  • Mitosis
  • Plasmodium berghei / genetics
  • Plasmodium berghei / metabolism
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
Citation (ISO format)
ROQUES, Magali et al. A modular chromosomal passenger complex rewires chromosome segregation in Plasmodium berghei. In: Nature communications, 2026, vol. 17, n° 1, p. 7788. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-74542-7
Main files (1)
Article (Published version)
Secondary files (25)
Supplemental data
accessLevelPublic
Supplemental data
accessLevelPublic
Supplemental data
accessLevelPublic
Show more
Identifiers
Additional URL for this publicationhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-74542-7
Journal ISSN2041-1723
1views
0downloads

Technical informations

Creation21/06/2026 00:30:40
First validation08/09/2026 15:48:36
Update08/09/2026 15:48:36
Status update08/09/2026 15:48:36
Last indexation08/09/2026 15:48:37
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack