Protein targeting to the malaria parasite plastid
- Author(s)
- Tonkin, CJ; Kalanon, M; McFadden, GI;
- Details
- Publication Year 2008-02,Volume 9,Issue #2,Page 166-175
- Journal Title
- TRAFFIC
- Publication Type
- Journal Article
- Abstract
- The relict plastid, or apicoplast, of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is an essential organelle and a promising drug target. Most apicoplast proteins are nuclear encoded and post-translationally targeted into the organelle using a bipartite N-terminal extension, consisting of a typical endomembrane signal peptide and a plant-like transit peptide. Apicoplast protein targeting commences through the parasite's secretory pathway. We review recent experimental evidence suggesting that the apicoplast resides in the mainstream endomembrane system proximal to the Golgi. Further, we explore possible mechanisms for translocation of nuclear-encoded apicoplast proteins across the four bounding membranes. Recent insights into the composition of the transit peptide and how it is cleaved and degraded after use are also examined. Characterization of apicoplast targeting has not only shed light on how this group of parasites mediate intracellular protein trafficking events but also it has helped identify new targets for therapeutics. The distinctive leader sequences of apicoplast proteins make them readily identifiable, allowing assembly of a virtual organelle metabolome from the genome. Such analysis has lead to the identification of several biochemical pathways that are absent from the human host and thus represent novel therapeutic targets for parasitic infection.
- Publisher
- BLACKWELL PUBLISHING
- Keywords
- PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM APICOPLAST; RETICULUM-ASSOCIATED DEGRADATION; INNER ENVELOPE MEMBRANE; ENDOPLASMIC-RETICULUM; TOXOPLASMA-GONDII; TRANSIT PEPTIDES; DISULFIDE-ISOMERASE; RETRO-TRANSLOCATION; SECRETORY PATHWAY; COMPLEX PLASTIDS
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0854.2007.00660.x
- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2008-02-01 12:00:00