Dissecting apicoplast functions through continuous cultivation of Toxoplasma gondii devoid of the organelle.

ABSTRACT: The apicoplast, a relic plastid organelle derived from secondary endosymbiosis, is crucial for many medically relevant Apicomplexa. While it no longer performs photosynthesis, the organelle retains several essential metabolic pathways. In this study, we examine the four primary metabolic pathways in the Toxoplasma gondii apicoplast, along with an accessory pathway, and identify conditions that can bypass these. Contrary to the prevailing view that the apicoplast is indispensable for T. gondii, we demonstrate that bypassing all pathways renders the apicoplast non-essential. We further show that T. gondii lacking an apicoplast (T. gondii^-Apico) can be maintained indefinitely in culture, establishing a unique model to study the functions of this organelle. Through comprehensive met

SUBMITTER: Chen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11873192 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature