Work

Plastid–endomembrane connections in apicomplexan parasites

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: The apicoplast is a nonphotosynthetic plastid found in most apicomplexan parasites, including Plasmodium spp.(causative agents of malaria) and Toxoplasma gondii (causative agent of toxoplasmosis) [1,2].It houses essential metabolic pathways and is the target of several antiparasitic drugs [3].A peculiar feature of the apicoplast is that, unlike endosymbiotic organelles in model organisms, it is integrated into the endomembrane system.Here, we discuss the interplay between the apicoplast and molecular machinery typically associated with the endomembrane system, highlighting outstanding questions and opportunities for drug discovery.

Source: PLoS Pathogens

DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007661

Authors: Michael J. Boucher, Ellen Yeh

Institutions: Stanford Medicine, Stanford University, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco

Language: English

Topic: Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,350