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The inner membrane complex (IMC) of apicomplexan parasites is a specialised structure localised beneath the parasite's plasma membrane, and is important for parasite stability and intracellular replication. Furthermore, it serves as an anchor for the myosin A motor complex, termed the glideosome. While the role of this protein complex in parasite motility and host cell invasion has been well described, additional roles during the asexual life cycle are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that core elements of the glideosome, the gliding associated proteins GAP40 and GAP50 as well as members of the GAPM family, have critical roles in the biogenesis of the IMC during intracellular replication. Deletion or disruption of these genes resulted in the rapid collapse of developing parasites after initiation of the cell cycle and led to redistribution of other glideosome components.

Original publication

DOI

10.1371/journal.ppat.1005403

Type

Journal article

Journal

PLoS Pathog

Publication Date

02/2016

Volume

12

Keywords

Biomarkers, Cell Line, Cell Membrane, Cytoplasmic Vesicles, Gene Knockout Techniques, Humans, Luminescent Proteins, Membrane Proteins, Microscopy, Electron, Transmission, Microscopy, Video, Organelle Biogenesis, Organelle Size, Organisms, Genetically Modified, Protein Isoforms, Protein Transport, Protozoan Proteins, Recombinant Fusion Proteins, Recombinant Proteins, Reproduction, Asexual, Toxoplasma