Dense granule biogenesis, secretion, and function in Toxoplasma gondii
Michael B Griffith1, Camille S Pearce1, Aoife T Heaslip1
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|March 18, 2022
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii survival hinges on dense granule proteins (GRAs) that adapt the host cell. This review covers dense granule biogenesis, trafficking, secretion, and GRA functions for toxoplasmosis insights.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, a disease requiring understanding of parasite survival mechanisms.
- Dense granules (DGs) are key secretory vesicles releasing proteins (GRAs) essential for intracellular adaptation and pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on dense granule biogenesis, trafficking, and secretion regulation.
- To provide an overview of dense granule protein functions, highlighting recently identified GRAs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of dense granule biology in Toxoplasma gondii.
- Analysis of published data on dense granule protein identification and functional characterization.
Main Results:
- Dense granules are crucial for parasite survival and host cell manipulation.
- Recent research has identified novel dense granule proteins with diverse functions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding dense granule dynamics and GRA functions is critical for developing toxoplasmosis treatments.
- Further research into dense granule biogenesis and protein secretion is needed.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Overview of Secretory Vesicles
8.7K
Secretory vesicles, also known as dense core vesicles (DCVs), are membrane-bound vesicles that transport secretory proteins, such as hormones or neurotransmitters. Regulated secretory vesicles transport proteins from the trans-Golgi network to the exterior of the cell. Proteins present in regulated secretory vesicles are required to be rapidly exocytosed in large amounts upon a specific stimulus.
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
8.7K
01:12Golgi Matrix Proteins
2.1K
Golgi matrix proteins are a group of highly dynamic proteins that maintain the stacked structure of Golgi. These proteins adapt to rapid morphological changes of the Golgi during the cell cycle. During cell division, mild proteolysis removes these connections resulting in Golgi unstacking. In The daughter cells, these proteins help reassemble the unstacked Golgi.
One of the first identified Golgi matrix proteins was GM130, a rod-like protein located in the cis-Golgi. Subsequently, many Golgi...
One of the first identified Golgi matrix proteins was GM130, a rod-like protein located in the cis-Golgi. Subsequently, many Golgi...
2.1K
01:05Insulin Secretory Vesicles
5.6K
Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
5.6K
01:38Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies
3.8K
Intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) are small vesicles 50-80 nm in diameter formed during the maturation of early endosomes. A specialized endosome containing numerous ILVs is called a multivesicular body (MVB). ILVs contain internalized molecules such as antigens, nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites. Some of these molecules are released from the MVBs inside exosomes and are transported to other cells. Other MVBs contain molecules that are retained in the ILVs and are later degraded within the...
3.8K
01:30Classification of Leukocytes
3.3K
Leukocytes are classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of cytoplasmic granules. Granular leukocytes, which contain granules, belong to the myeloid lineage and are divided into three subtypes: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. These cells are roughly spherical and characterized by the granules in their cytoplasm.
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granular leukocytes, comprising 50-70% of all leukocytes. They feature small, evenly distributed granules and a...
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granular leukocytes, comprising 50-70% of all leukocytes. They feature small, evenly distributed granules and a...
3.3K
01:20Folliculogenesis
1.2K
Folliculogenesis is the development of ovarian follicles, the specialized structures within the ovarian cortex where oogenesis, or egg development, occurs. This process is essential for female reproductive health and begins during fetal development when primordial follicles are formed. Each primordial follicle comprises a primary oocyte in the center, surrounded by a single layer of squamous pre-granulosa cells. These follicles remain dormant in late prophase I of meiosis until triggered by...
1.2K