Mitochondria in malaria and related parasites: ancient, diverse and streamlined.
Parasitic organisms have emerged from nearly every corner of the eukaryotic kingdom and hence display tremendous diversity of form and function. This diversity extends to their mitochondria and mitochondrion-derived organelles. While the principles of the chemiosmotic theory apply to all these pathogens, the differences from their hosts provide opportunities for therapeutic development. In this review we discuss examples of mitochondrial systems from a deep-branching phylum, Apicomplexa. Many important human pathogens, such as malaria parasites, belong to this phylum. Unique features of their mitochondria are validated targets for drugs that are selectively toxic to the parasites.
Mather
Michael W
MW
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Molecular Parasitology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA. mmather@drexelmed.edu
Vaidya
Akhil B
AB
D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000494:pharmacology; D016782:Apicomplexa / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002952:Citric Acid Cycle; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D045222:Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018892:Proton-Motive Force; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000962:Antimalarials; D045222:Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins