A dynamin is required for the biogenesis of secretory organelles in Toxoplasma gondii

Breinich, M. et al. (2009) A dynamin is required for the biogenesis of secretory organelles in Toxoplasma gondii. Current Biology, 19(4), pp. 277-286. (doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2009.01.039)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Background: Apicomplexans contain only a core set of factors involved in vesicular traffic. Yet these obligate intracellular parasites evolved a set of unique secretory organelles (micronemes, rhoptries, and dense granules) that are required for invasion and modulation of the host cell. Apicomplexa replicate by budding from or within a single mother cell, and secretory organelles are synthesized de novo at the final stage of division. To date, the molecular basis for their biogenesis is unknown. Results: We demonstrate that the apicomplexan dynaminrelated protein B (DrpB) belongs to an alveolate specific family of dynamins that is expanded in ciliates. DrpB accumulates in a cytoplasmic region close to the Golgi that breaks up during replication and reforms after assembly of the daughter cells. Conditional ablation of DrpB function results in mature daughter parasites that are devoid of micronemes and rhoptries. In the absence of these organelles, invasion-related secretory proteins are mistargeted to the constitutive secretory pathway. Mutant parasites are able to replicate but are unable to escape from or invade into host cells. Conclusions: DrpB is the essential mechanoenzyme for the biogenesis of secretory organelles in Apicomplexa. We suggest that DrpB is required during replication to generate vesicles for the regulated secretory pathway that form the unique secretory organelles. Our study supports a role of an alveolate-specific dynamin that was required for the evolution of novel, secretory organelles. In the case of Apicomplexa, these organelles further evolved to enable a parasitic lifestyle.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Meissner, Professor Markus
Authors: Breinich, M., Ferguson, D., Foth, B., Dooren, G., Lebrun, M., Quon, D.V., Striepen, B., Bradley, P., Frischknecht, F., Carruthers, V., and Meissner, M.
Subjects:Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Current Biology
ISSN:0960-9822
ISSN (Online):1879-0445
Published Online:12 February 2009

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record