Cathepsin L occupies a vacuolar compartment and is a protein maturase within the endo/exocytic system of Toxoplasma gondii

Fabiola Parussini, Isabelle Coppens, Parag P. Shah, Scott L. Diamond, Vern B. Carruthers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

89 Scopus citations

Abstract

Summary Regulated exocytosis allows the timely delivery of proteins and other macromolecules precisely when they are needed to fulfil their functions. The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii has one of the most extensive regulated exocytic systems among all unicellular organisms, yet the basis of protein trafficking and proteolytic modification in this system is poorly understood. We demonstrate that a parasite cathepsin protease, TgCPL, occupies a newly recognized vacuolar compartment (VAC) that undergoes dynamic fragmentation during T. gondii replication. We also provide evidence that within the VAC or late endosome this protease mediates the proteolytic maturation of proproteins targeted to micronemes, regulated secretory organelles that deliver adhesive proteins to the parasite surface during cell invasion. Our findings suggest that processing of microneme precursors occurs within intermediate endocytic compartments within the exocytic system, indicating an extensive convergence of the endocytic and exocytic pathways in this human parasite.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1340-1357
Number of pages18
JournalMolecular Microbiology
Volume76
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cathepsin L occupies a vacuolar compartment and is a protein maturase within the endo/exocytic system of Toxoplasma gondii'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this