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Related Experiment Videos

Progress with parasite plastids.

R J M Iain Wilson1

  • 1National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK. rwilson@nimr.mrc.ac.uk

Journal of Molecular Biology
|June 8, 2002
PubMed
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Apicomplexan parasites harbor a non-photosynthetic plastid organelle, crucial for parasite survival and potentially offering therapeutic targets. Research reveals its bacterial/plastid origin and key metabolic roles, including fatty acid and isoprenoid biosynthesis.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Apicomplexan parasites, including Plasmodium spp. causing malaria, are significant global health threats.
  • These parasites possess a non-photosynthetic plastid organelle of bacterial/plastid origin, acquired through secondary endosymbiosis.
  • Phylogenetic evidence suggests a red algal origin for this plastid.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the origin, biology, and metabolic significance of the apicomplexan plastid.
  • To highlight key metabolic pathways within the plastid, such as type II fatty acid and isoprenoid biosynthesis.
  • To discuss the potential of the plastid as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and genomic data.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of phylogenetic evidence for organelle origin.
  • Examination of biochemical pathways and functional studies related to the plastid.

    • Main Results:

    • The apicomplexan plastid originates from a red alga via secondary endosymbiosis.
    • Key metabolic functions include type II fatty acid and isoprenoid biosynthesis, and possibly heme biosynthesis.
    • The plastid's relict genome and protein synthesis capacity may protect fatty acid synthesis from oxidative damage.
    • Unique modes of plastid division and DNA replication exist within this phylum.

    Conclusions:

    • The apicomplexan plastid is essential for parasite viability, with plastid-less parasites failing to thrive.
    • Understanding the plastid's unique biology and metabolism offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies against apicomplexan infections.
    • Significant knowledge gaps remain, necessitating further research into this intriguing organelle.