The mature N-termini of Plasmodium effector proteins confer specificity of export.
mBio
; 14(5): e0121523, 2023 Oct 31.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37646514
ABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE Malaria parasites export hundreds of proteins to the cytoplasm of the host red blood cells for their survival. A five amino acid sequence, called the PEXEL motif, is conserved among many exported proteins and is thought to be a signal for export. However, the motif is cleaved inside the endoplasmic reticulum of the parasite, and mature proteins starting from the fourth PEXEL residue travel to the parasite periphery for export. We showed that the PEXEL motif is dispensable for export as long as identical mature proteins can be efficiently produced via alternative means in the ER. We also showed that the exported and non-exported proteins are differentiated at the parasite periphery based on their mature N-termini; however, any discernible export signal within that region remained cryptic. Our study resolves a longstanding paradox in PEXEL protein trafficking.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Plasmodium
/
Proteínas de Protozoários
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article