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Recent insights into the export of PEXEL/HTS-motif containing proteins in Plasmodium parasites

Hayley E Bullen1, Brendan S Crabb, Paul R Gilson

  • 1Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|October 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Malaria parasite protein export relies on a common mechanism for PEXEL/HTS motif proteins to cross membranes. This process is crucial for parasite virulence and survival within the human host.

Area of Science:

  • Malariology
  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Protein export is vital for Plasmodium parasite virulence and survival in humans.
  • Exported proteins must cross the parasite plasma membrane and the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the common molecular mechanism of protein export in intra-erythrocytic Plasmodium parasites.
  • To understand how PEXEL/HTS motif-containing proteins are translocated across host cell membranes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of protein translocation pathways.
  • Investigation of molecular processes at the endoplasmic reticulum and PVM.

Main Results:

  • Identified a common export mechanism for PEXEL/HTS motif proteins.
  • Revealed roles for parasite-specific molecular processes in protein translocation.
  • Highlighted the importance of the endoplasmic reticulum and PVM in protein export.

Conclusions:

  • The PEXEL/HTS motif is key to a conserved protein export pathway in Plasmodium.
  • Understanding this pathway offers insights into malaria parasite virulence and potential therapeutic targets.

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