Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
07:27
A Simple Protocol for Platelet-mediated Clumping of Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes in a Resource Poor Setting
Published on: May 16, 2013
Conformational co-dependence between Plasmodium berghei LCCL proteins promotes complex formation and stability
Sadia Saeed1, Annie Z Tremp, Johannes T Dessens
1Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology
|August 11, 2012
Summary
Malaria parasites rely on LCCL-lectin adhesive-like domain proteins (LAPs) for transmission. This study reveals that PbLAP1 is crucial for PbLAP3 stability and proper complex formation in Plasmodium berghei.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Biochemistry
Background:
- Malaria parasites utilize LCCL-lectin adhesive-like domain proteins (LAPs) for essential functions in sporozoite transmission.
- In Plasmodium falciparum, LAPs form a multi-protein complex in gametocytes, and their expression is co-dependent at the protein level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the co-dependent expression phenomenon of LCCL proteins in Plasmodium berghei.
- To elucidate the interaction and stability mechanism of PbLAP1 and PbLAP3 within the LCCL protein complex.
Main Methods:
- Generation of a double mutant parasite line by crossing a PbLAP1 null mutant with a GFP-tagged PbLAP3 expressing line.
- Analysis of PbLAP3::GFP synthesis, subcellular localization, fluorescence intensity, and half-life in the absence of PbLAP1.
Main Results:
- PbLAP3::GFP synthesis and localization were normal in the double mutant.
- Absence of PbLAP1 significantly reduced PbLAP3::GFP fluorescence, indicating an interaction between PbLAP1 and PbLAP3.
- PbLAP1 absence markedly decreased PbLAP3 half-life, suggesting misfolding and conformational interdependence.
Conclusions:
- PbLAP1 plays a critical role in maintaining the stability and proper assembly of the LCCL protein complex in Plasmodium berghei.
- Conformational interdependence is a potential mechanism facilitating the assembly and stability of functional LCCL protein complexes.
- These findings provide insights into the post-translational regulation of LCCL proteins essential for malaria parasite transmission.
Related Concept Videos
02:41Protein Complex Assembly
Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
01:09Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins
Plakins are large proteins with binding domains for microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and membrane-associated protein complexes at cell junctions. Plakin functions are evolutionarily conserved and are primarily involved in organizing the different components of the cytoskeleton by crosslinking them to each other and connecting them to the cell-matrix and cell adhesion complexes. They are also known to interact with signal transducers, serve as scaffolds for signaling...
01:57Protein Complexes with Interchangeable Parts
Groups of proteins may form a complex where each protein in this complex has a different role in the overall execution of the complex’s function. Often some of the proteins in the complex can be replaced by a closely related variant to give a complex that contains many of the same components yet is functionally distinct.
The SCF ubiquitin ligase is a protein complex of five individual proteins. This complex attaches ubiquitin to other target proteins to mark them for degradation. In order to...
The SCF ubiquitin ligase is a protein complex of five individual proteins. This complex attaches ubiquitin to other target proteins to mark them for degradation. In order to...
01:27Diversity of Protists II
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
01:30Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
01:19Mechanism of Conjugation
Bacterial conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer that enables the exchange of genetic material between bacterial cells through direct contact. This process is facilitated by a donor cell carrying a conjugative plasmid, which encodes genes necessary for pilus formation, DNA replication, and transfer. The conjugative plasmid plays a central role in initiating and executing the transfer of genetic material.The tra region of the conjugative plasmid encodes proteins responsible for...