Orchestrating a Heist: Uptake and Storage of Metals by Apicomplexan Parasites

Overview

Journal Microbiology (Reading)

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2021 Dec 13

PMID 34898419

Citations 7

Authors

Megan A Sloan

Dana Aghabi

Clare R Harding

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The acquisition and storage of metals has been a preoccupation of life for millennia. Transition metals, in particular iron, copper and zinc, have vital roles within cells. However, metals also make dangerous cargos; inappropriate uptake or storage of transition metals leads to cell death. This paradox has led to cells developing elegant and frequently redundant mechanisms for fine-tuning local metal concentrations. In the context of infection, pathogens must overcome further hurdles, as hosts act to weaponize metal availability to prevent pathogen colonization and spread. Here, we detail the methods used by the Apicomplexa, a large family of eukaryotic parasites, to obtain and store essential metals.

Citing Articles

Iron-mediated post-transcriptional regulation in Toxoplasma gondii.

Sloan M, Scott A, Aghabi D, Mrvova L, Harding C PLoS Pathog. 2025; 21(2):e1012857.

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Iron transport pathways in the human malaria parasite revealed by RNA-sequencing.

Wunderlich J, Kotov V, Votborg-Novel L, Ntalla C, Geffken M, Peine S Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2024; 14:1480076.

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Identification of a divalent metal transporter required for cellular iron metabolism in malaria parasites.

Loveridge K, Sigala P Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024; 121(45):e2411631121.

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Towards next-generation treatment options to combat Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

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Identification of a divalent metal transporter required for cellular iron metabolism in malaria parasites.

Loveridge K, Sigala P bioRxiv. 2024; .

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