'Disc-o-Fever': Getting Down with Giardia's Groovy Microtubule Organelle. Issue 2 (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nosala, Christopher; Hagen, Kari D.; Dawson, Scott C.
• Is Part Of: Trends in cell biology. Volume 28:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: evolution -- Giardia -- microtubule -- organelle -- parasite; Cytology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Research -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.10.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8924

Abstract

Abstract : Protists have evolved a myriad of highly specialized cytoskeletal organelles that expand known functional capacities of microtubule (MT) polymers. One such innovation – the ventral disc – is a cup-shaped MT organelle that the parasite Giardia uses to attach to the small intestine of its host. The molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of suction-based forces by overall conformational changes of the disc remain unclear. The elaborate disc architecture is defined by novel proteins and complexes that decorate almost all disc MT protofilaments, and vary in composition and conformation along the length of the MTs. Future genetic, biochemical, and functional analyses of disc-associated proteins will be central toward understanding not only disc architecture and assembly, but also the overall disc conformational dynamics that promote attachment. Trends: Giardia 's ventral disc is a complex MT-based organelle composed of many unique structural elements. Most of the 85 DAPs lack homology to known MT-binding proteins. The disc has a composite, varied architecture that is nucleated in several regions. The disc is 'hyperstable' and lacks interphase MT dynamics. Disc-mediated attachment of Giardia to the host epithelium may be associated with conformational changes of the disc structure.