The apicoplast transportome of the malaria parasite

The apicoplast, a peculiar organelle of red algal origin surrounded by four membranes, is important for several metabolic processes in the malaria parasite, including isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. Transporters are required to provide substrates and export products for these metabolic pathways and are therefore excellent novel drug targets. On the basis of known apicoplast pathways, we discuss which functions are expected to be fulfilled by the Plasmodium apicoplast transportome, which comprises 11 confirmed and 17 putative apicoplast transporters identified to date. Facilitated by the development of new tools, we anticipate the discovery of key players of the apicoplast transportome, such as the IPP and CoA exporters, and the exploitation of these proteins as drug targets.