Search

The micropore contains two distinct morphological types, with type I being present in most apicomplexans. The micropore is a functional nutrient uptake organelle and is involved in artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium. Although possessing distinct morphologies, type I and II micropores share a core set of components across apicomplexan species. A new model for micropore assembly is proposed which involves sequential recruitment of EPS15 (epidermal growth factor receptor substrate-15), Kelch13, and UBP1 (ubiquitin binding protein-1). Future studies should consider the transformation between type I and type II micropores. The micropore, a mysterious structure found in apicomplexan species, was recently shown to be essential for nutrient acquisition in Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. However, the differences between the micropores of these two parasites questions the nature of a general apicomplexan micropore structure and whether the formation process model from Plasmodium can be applied to other apicomplexans. We analyzed the literature on different apicomplexan micropores and found that T. gondii probably harbors a more representative micropore type than the more widely studied ones in Plasmodium. Using recent knowledge of the Kelch 13 (K13) protein interactome and gene depletion phenotypes in the T. gondii micropore, we propose a model of micropore formation, thus enriching our wider understanding of micropore protein function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic exchange in Trypanosoma brucei is now well characterized. It is a key tool that has enabled an understanding of important parasite genetic traits and underpinned the Trypanosoma brucei genome project. However, a key aspect that has eluded us is the point in the trypanosome life cycle where genetic exchange occurs. Research using green and red fluorescent trypanosomes for visualizing genetic crosses has now identified this stage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]