Identification of a novel post-translational modification in Plasmodium falciparum: protein sumoylation in different cellular compartments.

ABSTRACT: SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier) conjugation is a post-translational modification implicated in a variety of cellular functions including transcriptional regulation, nuclear location and signal transduction. Sumoylation, although conserved and vital in eukaryotes, has not been studied in malaria parasites. Here, we identify SUMO conjugation of blood stage parasites of Plasmodium falciparum. Antibodies raised against synthetic peptides of the plasmodial SUMO orthologue PfSUMO, a 100-amino-acid protein, reacted with distinctive subcellular compartments of the parasitized erythrocyte during blood stage development. Anti-PfSUMO stains the nucleus and parasite cytoplasm. We also found antibody reactivity in the host cell cytoplasm with the parasite-derived structures called Maurer's clefts.

SUBMITTER: Issar N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2613257 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature