Biogenesis and maintenance of the apicoplast in model apicomplexan parasites. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Ying; Wang, Chunren; Jia, Honglin
• Is Part Of: Parasitology international. Volume 81(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Parasitic Diseases -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; 571.99905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102270
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1383-5769

Abstract

Abstract: The apicoplast is a non-photosynthetic relict plastid of Apicomplexa that evolved from a secondary symbiotic system. During its evolution, most of the genes derived from its alga ancestor were lost. Only genes involved in several valuable metabolic pathways, such as the synthesis of isoprenoid precursors, heme, and fatty acids, have been transferred to the host genome and retained to help these parasites adapt to a complex life cycle and various living environments. The biological function of an apicoplast is essential for most apicomplexan parasites. Considering their potential as drug targets, the metabolic functions of this symbiotic organelle have been intensively investigated through computational and biological means. Moreover, we know that not only organellar metabolic functions are linked with other organelles, but also their biogenesis processes have developed and evolved to tailor their biological functions and proper inheritance. Several distinct features have been found in the biogenesis process of apicoplasts. For example, the apicoplast borrows a dynamin-related protein (DrpA) from its host to implement organelle division. The autophagy system has also been repurposed for linking the apicoplast and centrosome during replication and the division process. However, many vital questions remain to be answered about how these parasites maintain and properly inherit this symbiotic organelle. Here we review our current knowledge about its biogenesis process and discuss several critical questions remaining to be answered in this field. Highlights: The apicoplast is an enticing target for novel medicine development against T. gondii and Plasmodium spp. The apicoplast cooperates with other compartments to implement the synthesis of essential metabolites Several molecular machineries have evolved novel functions for the biogenesis and maintenance of the apicoplast Discovery of more apicoplast proteins are needed to understand the process of apicoplast biogenesis and maintenance