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

J Eukaryot Microbiol. 2009 May-Jun;56(3):214-20

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

Parsons M, Karnataki A, Derocher AE.

Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Washington 98109, USA. marilyn.parsons@sbri.org

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.

Publication Types:
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

PMID: 19527348 [PubMed - in process]