The Toxoplasma Apicoplast Phosphate Translocator Links Cytosolic and Apicoplast Metabolism and Is Essential for Parasite Survival
Date
2010
Authors
Brooks, Carrie F
Johnsen, Hanne
van Dooren, Giel
Muthalagi, Mani
Lin, San San
Bohne, Wolfgang
Fischer, Karsten
Striepen, Boris
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Cell Press
Abstract
Apicomplexa are unicellular eukaryotic pathogens that carry a vestigial algal endosymbiont, the apicoplast. The physiological function of the apicoplast and its integration into parasite metabolism remain poorly understood and at times controversial. We establish that the Toxoplasma apicoplast membrane-localized phosphate translocator (TgAPT) is an essential metabolic link between the endosymbiont and the parasite cytoplasm. TgAPT is required for fatty acid synthesis in the apicoplast, but this may not be its most critical function. Further analyses demonstrate that TgAPT also functions to supply the apicoplast with carbon skeletons for additional pathways and, indirectly, with energy and reduction power. Genetic ablation of the transporter results in rapid death of parasites. The dramatic consequences of loss of its activity suggest that targeting TgAPT could be a viable strategy to identify antiparasitic compounds.
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Keywords: adenosine triphosphate; phosphate transporter; apicoplast; article; carbon source; controlled study; cytoplasm; energy metabolism; enzyme specificity; fatty acid synthesis; heterologous expression; membrane binding; mitochondrial membrane potential; nonhu MICROBIO
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Cell Host and Microbe
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Journal article
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2037-12-31
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