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Published on: November 6, 2021

Acidocalcisomes.

Roberto Docampo1, Silvia N J Moreno

  • 1Department of Cellular Biology and Center for Tropical and Global Emerging Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA. rdocampo@cb.uga.edu

Cell Calcium
|July 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Acidocalcisomes are vital acidic organelles storing calcium and phosphorus. Their disruption impacts calcium signaling, crucial for parasite virulence and host invasion.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Acidocalcisomes are acidic organelles found across diverse species, from bacteria to humans.
  • They store calcium and phosphorus compounds like pyrophosphate (PPi) and polyphosphate (poly P).
  • Their acidification is maintained by vacuolar proton pumps, with variations across taxa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the composition, function, and evolutionary significance of acidocalcisomes.
  • To investigate the role of acidocalcisomes in cellular processes like ion homeostasis and signaling.
  • To understand the impact of acidocalcisome dysfunction on parasite virulence.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of acidocalcisome characteristics across different organisms.
  • Biochemical assays to study enzymes involved in polyphosphate metabolism.
  • Genetic manipulation (downregulation/elimination) of acidocalcisome components, such as Ca2+-ATPase.
  • Analysis of calcium signaling pathways and their dependence on acidocalcisomes.

Main Results:

  • Acidocalcisomes are conserved organelles involved in cation and phosphorus storage, pH regulation, and osmoregulation.
  • Enzymes for PPi and poly P synthesis/degradation reside within acidocalcisomes.
  • Disruption of acidocalcisome function, particularly Ca2+ stores, impairs Ca2+ signaling essential for parasite virulence.
  • Acidocalcisomes interact with the endosomal/lysosomal pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Acidocalcisomes play a critical role in calcium homeostasis and signaling, impacting virulence in parasitic organisms.
  • Their ancient origins or convergent evolution highlight their fundamental importance in cellular physiology.
  • Acidocalcisomes represent a key target for understanding and potentially combating parasitic diseases.