Glycolysis is the main pathway for ATP production in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and essential for its survival. Following a sensitivity analysis of a detailed kinetic model for glycolysis in the parasite, the glucose transport reaction was identified as the step whose activity needed to be inhibited to the least extent to result in a 50% reduction in glycolytic flux. In a subsequent inhibitor titration with cytochalasin B, we confirmed the model analysis experimentally and measured a flux control coefficient of 0.3 for the glucose transporter. In addition to the glucose transporter, the glucokinase and phosphofructokinase had high flux control coefficients, while for the ATPase a small negative flux control coefficient was predicted. In a broader comparative analysis of glycolytic models, we identified a weakness in the P. falciparum pathway design with respect to stability towards perturbations in the ATP demand.
SEEK ID: https://fairdomhub.org/publications/268
DOI: 10.1111/febs.13615
Projects: Whole body modelling of glucose metabolism in malaria patients
Publication type: Not specified
Journal: FEBS J
Citation: FEBS J 283(4) : 634
Date Published: 1st Feb 2016
Registered Mode: Not specified
Views: 4888
Created: 30th Aug 2016 at 13:04
Last updated: 8th Dec 2022 at 17:26
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