Aldolase Forms a Bridge between Cell Surface Adhesins and the Actin Cytoskeleton in Apicomplexan Parasites.

• Autores: Travis J. Jewett, L. David Sibley
• Localización: Molecular cell, ISSN 1097-2765, Vol. 12, Nº 4, 2003, pág. 885
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites requires coordinated interactions between cell surface adhesins and the parasite cytoskeleton. We have identified a complex of parasite proteins, including the actin binding protein aldolase, which specifically interacts with the C-terminal domains of several parasite adhesins belonging to the thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) family. Binding of aldolase to the adhesin was disrupted by mutation of a critical tryptophan in the C domain, a residue that was previously shown to be essential for parasite motility. Our findings reveal a potential role for aldolase in connecting TRAP family adhesins with the cytoskeleton, and provide a model linking adhesion with motility in apicomplexan parasites.