Palmitoylation of Plasmodium alveolins promotes cytoskeletal function
#MMPMID28223095
Tremp AZ
; Al-Khattaf FS
; Dessens JT
Mol Biochem Parasitol
2017[Apr]; 213
(?): 16-21
PMID28223095
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S-palmitoylation is a post-translational lipid modification that is widespread
among Plasmodium proteins and essential for parasite development. Little is known
about the contribution of palmitoylation to the function of individual parasite
molecules and structures. Alveolins are major components of the subpellicular
network (SPN), a cortical cytoskeleton primarily involved in providing mechanical
strength to the cell. We show here that the alveolin IMC1c is palmitoylated on a
conserved cysteine motif, and that non-palmitoylated IMC1c displays normal
expression, stability and trafficking. However, mutant parasites exhibit reduced
osmotic stress resistance and tensile strength. These findings support the
hypothesis that alveolin palmitoylation enhances cytoskeletal function by
strengthening the connection between the SPN and the adjoining inner membrane
complex via lipid anchoring.