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- Title
A newly discovered protein export machine in malaria parasites.
- Authors
de Koning-Ward, Tania F.; Gilson, Paul R.; Boddey, Justin A.; Rug, Melanie; Smith, Brian J.; Papenfuss, Anthony T.; Sanders, Paul R.; Lundie, Rachel J.; Maier, Alexander G.; Cowman, Alan F.; Crabb, Brendan S.
- Abstract
Several hundred malaria parasite proteins are exported beyond an encasing vacuole and into the cytosol of the host erythrocyte, a process that is central to the virulence and viability of the causative Plasmodium species. The trafficking machinery responsible for this export is unknown. Here we identify in Plasmodium falciparum a translocon of exported proteins (PTEX), which is located in the vacuole membrane. The PTEX complex is ATP-powered, and comprises heat shock protein 101 (HSP101; a ClpA/B-like ATPase from the AAA+ superfamily, of a type commonly associated with protein translocons), a novel protein termed PTEX150 and a known parasite protein, exported protein 2 (EXP2). EXP2 is the potential channel, as it is the membrane-associated component of the core PTEX complex. Two other proteins, a new protein PTEX88 and thioredoxin 2 (TRX2), were also identified as PTEX components. As a common portal for numerous crucial processes, this translocon offers a new avenue for therapeutic intervention.
- Subjects
THERAPEUTIC use of proteins; PROTOZOAN diseases; MALARIA; PLASMODIUM falciparum; PLASMODIUM; CYTOPLASM; ERYTHROCYTES; PLANT vacuoles; TONOPLASTS; PHYSIOLOGY
- Publication
Nature, 2009, Vol 459, Issue 7249, p945
- ISSN
0028-0836
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/nature08104