Work

Depletion of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) of Toxoplasma gondii affects multiple mitochondrial functions, but not calcium signalling

Year: 2020

Type: preprint

Abstract: The Voltage Dependent Anion channel (VDAC) is a ubiquitous channel in the outer membrane of the mitochondrion with multiple roles in protein, metabolite and small molecule transport. In mammalian cells, VDAC, as part of a larger complex including the inositol triphosphate receptor, has been shown to have a role in mediating contact between the mitochondria and ER. We identify VDAC of the pathogenic apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii and demonstrate its importance for parasite growth. We show that VDAC is involved in protein import and metabolite transfer to the mitochondria, but does not appear to modulate calcium (Ca2+) signalling. Further, depletion of VDAC resulted in significant morphological changes of the mitochondrion and ER, suggesting a role in mediating contacts between these organelles in T. gondii .

Source: bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.07.330423

Authors: Natalia Mallo, Erica S. Martins Duarte, Stephan C. Baehr, Marco Biddau, Jana Ovciarikova, Mary-Louise Wilde, Alessandro D Uboldi, Leandro Lemgruber, Christopher J Tonkin, Jeremy G. Wideman, Clare R. Harding, Lilach Sheiner

Institutions: University of Glasgow, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Arizona State University, The University of Melbourne, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

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: green

Funders: Arizona State University, Wellcome Trust, University of Glasgow, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council

Awards: Identification and functional characterization of proteins of the mitochondrial tRNA import pathway of Toxoplasma gondii, Lost in translation. Dissecting the divergent features of Toxoplasma gondii mitochondrial translation, G4672180914, Iron in Toxoplasma gondii: sensing, acquisition and use of critical nutrient in an obligate parasite, Understanding Toxoplasma’s interaction with the brain, Iron in Toxoplasma gondii: sensing, acquisition and use of critical nutrient in an obligate parasite, Lost in translation. Dissecting the divergent features of Toxoplasma gondii mitochondrial translation

OpenAlex ID: W3092116337

Cites: 89

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10