Re-defining the Golgi complex in Plasmodium falciparum using the novel Golgi marker PfGRASP

Struck, N. S., de Souza Dias, S., Langer, C., Marti, M. , Pearce, J. A., Cowman, A. F. and Gilberger, T. W. (2005) Re-defining the Golgi complex in Plasmodium falciparum using the novel Golgi marker PfGRASP. Journal of Cell Science, 118(23), pp. 5603-5613. (doi: 10.1242/jcs.02673) (PMCID:16306223)

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, relies on a sophisticated protein secretion system for host cell invasion and transformation. Although the parasite displays a secretory pathway similar to those of all eukaryotic organisms, a classical Golgi apparatus has never been described. We identified and characterised the putative Golgi matrix protein PfGRASP, a homologue of the Golgi re-assembly stacking protein (GRASP) family. We show that PfGRASP is expressed as a 70 kDa protein throughout the asexual life cycle of the parasite. We generated PfGRASP-GFP-expressing transgenic parasites and showed that this protein is localised to a single, juxtanuclear compartment in ring-stage parasites. The PfGRASP compartment is distinct from the ER, restricted within the boundaries of the parasite and colocalises with the cis-Golgi marker ERD2. Correct subcellular localisation of this Golgi matrix protein depends on a cross-species conserved functional myristoylation motif and is insensitive to Brefeldin A. Taken together our results define the Golgi apparatus in Plasmodium and depict the morphological organisation of the organelle throughout the asexual life cycle of the parasite.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Marti, Professor Matthias
• Authors: Struck, N. S., de Souza Dias, S., Langer, C., Marti, M., Pearce, J. A., Cowman, A. F., and Gilberger, T. W.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Journal of Cell Science
• Publisher: Company of Biologists
• ISSN: 0021-9533
• ISSN (Online): 1477-9137
• Published Online: 23 November 2005
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2005 The Company of Biologists Limited
• First Published: First published in Journal of Cell Science 118(23):5603-5613
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher