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Identification of cryptic subunits from an apicomplexan ATP synthase
Diego Huet1, Esther Rajendran2, Giel G van Dooren2
1Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States.
Elife
|September 12, 2018
Summary
Researchers discovered 11 new subunits of the Toxoplasma gondii ATP synthase, including ICAP2 and ICAP18, crucial for its function. This finding offers potential new therapeutic targets for apicomplexan parasites.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Parasitology
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Mitochondrial ATP synthase generates ATP using a proton gradient.
- A stator complex is essential for ATP synthase function.
- Apicomplexan parasites like Toxoplasma gondii lack identified stator subunits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel subunits of the Toxoplasma gondii ATP synthase.
- To investigate the role of these subunits in parasite metabolism and mitochondrial function.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets within the apicomplexan ATP synthase.
Main Methods:
- Sequence-based searches and comparative genomics.
- Bioinformatic modeling and structural analysis.
- Protein complex analysis and gene depletion studies in Toxoplasma gondii.
Main Results:
- Identified 11 previously unknown ATP synthase subunits unique to apicomplexans.
- Two subunits, ICAP2 and ICAP18, show distant homology to mammalian stator proteins.
- Depletion of ICAP2 disrupted mitochondrial morphology, reduced oxygen consumption, and led to complex disassembly.
Conclusions:
- Toxoplasma gondii possesses unique ATP synthase stator subunits essential for its function.
- These apicomplexan-specific components represent novel targets for antiparasitic drug development.
- Understanding these divergent metabolic pathways is key to combating apicomplexan infections.
Keywords:
ATP synthaseApicomplexaToxoplasma gondiicell biologyinfectious diseasemicrobiologymitochondriaMore Related Videos
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