The interdependence of isoprenoid synthesis and apicoplast biogenesis in malaria parasites.

Isoprenoid precursor synthesis is an ancient and fundamental function of plastid organelles and a critical metabolic activity of the apicoplast in Plasmodium malaria parasites [1-3]. Over the past decade, our understanding of apicoplast properties and functions has increased enormously [4], due in l...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Megan Okada, Paul A Sigala
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2023-10-01
Series:PLoS Pathogens
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1011713
Description
Summary:Isoprenoid precursor synthesis is an ancient and fundamental function of plastid organelles and a critical metabolic activity of the apicoplast in Plasmodium malaria parasites [1-3]. Over the past decade, our understanding of apicoplast properties and functions has increased enormously [4], due in large part to our ability to rescue blood-stage parasites from apicoplast-specific dysfunctions by supplementing cultures with isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), a key output of this organelle [5,6]. In this Pearl, we explore the interdependence between isoprenoid metabolism and apicoplast biogenesis in P. falciparum and highlight critical future questions to answer.
ISSN:1553-7366
1553-7374