Spatial association with PTEX complexes defines regions for effector export into Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes.
Export of proteins into the infected erythrocyte is critical for malaria parasite survival. The majority of effector proteins are thought to export via a proteinaceous translocon, resident in the parasitophorous vacuole membrane surrounding the parasite. Identification of the Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins and its biochemical association with exported proteins suggests it performs this role. Direct evidence for this, however, is lacking. Here using viable purified Plasmodium falciparum merozoites and three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy, we investigate remodelling events immediately following parasite invasion. We show that multiple complexes of the Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins localize together in foci that dynamically change in clustering behaviour. Furthermore, we provide conclusive evidence of spatial association between exported proteins and exported protein 2, a core component of the Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins, during native conditions and upon generation of translocation intermediates. These data provide the most direct cellular evidence to date that protein export occurs at regions of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane housing the Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins complex.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
David T
DT
Riglar
Kelly L
KL
Rogers
Eric
E
Hanssen
Lynne
L
Turnbull
Hayley E
HE
Bullen
Sarah C
SC
Charnaud
Jude
J
Przyborski
Paul R
PR
Gilson
Cynthia B
CB
Whitchurch
Brendan S
BS
Crabb
Jake
J
Baum
Alan F
AF
Cowman
D000818:Animals; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000469:parasitology*; D052940:Merozoites / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008954:Models, Biological; D010271:Parasites / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D021381:Protein Transport; D058767:Protein Unfolding; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D014617:Vacuoles / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure
D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins