A systematic screen to discover and analyze apicoplast proteins identifies a conserved and essential protein import factor.

ABSTRACT: Parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa cause diseases that impact global health and economy. These unicellular eukaryotes possess a relict plastid, the apicoplast, which is an essential organelle and a validated drug target. However, much of its biology remains poorly understood, in particular its elaborate compartmentalization: four membranes defining four different spaces. Only a small number of organellar proteins have been identified in particular few proteins are known for non-luminal apicoplast compartments. We hypothesized that enlarging the catalogue of apicoplast proteins will contribute toward identifying new organellar functions and expand the realm of targets beyond a limited set of characterized pathways. We developed a bioinformatic screen based on mRNA abundance over the cell c

SUBMITTER: Sheiner L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3228799 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature