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Evolving insights into protein trafficking to the multiple compartments of the apicomplexan plastid.

ABSTRACT: The apicoplast is a relict plastid found in many medically important apicomplexan parasites, such as Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. Phylogenetic analysis and the presence of four bounding membranes indicate that the apicoplast arose from a secondary endosymbiosis. Here we review what has been discovered about the complex journey proteins take to reach compartments of the apicoplast. The targeting sequences for luminal proteins are well-defined, but those routing proteins to other compartments are only beginning to be studied. Recent work suggests that the trafficking mechanisms involve a variety of molecules of different phylogenetic origins. We highlight some remaining questions regarding protein trafficking to this divergent organelle.

SUBMITTER: Parsons M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2853760 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Evolving insights into protein trafficking to the multiple compartments of the apicomplexan plastid.

Parsons Marilyn M   Karnataki Anuradha A   Derocher Amy E AE  

The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology 20090501 3

The apicoplast is a relict plastid found in many medically important apicomplexan parasites, such as Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. Phylogenetic analysis and the presence of four bounding membranes indicate that the apicoplast arose from a secondary endosymbiosis. Here we review what has been discovered about the complex journey proteins take to reach compartments of the apicoplast. The targeting sequences for luminal proteins are well-defined, but those routing proteins to other compartments are on  ...[more]