Essential tRNA Modifying Enzymes in Malaria Parasite
Author Information
Author(s): Elahi Rubayet, Dinis Luciana Ribeiro, Swift Russell P., Liu Hans B., Prigge Sean T.
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
The apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum contains an xm5s2U biosynthesis pathway analogous to those found in bacterial systems.
Conclusion
MnmE and MnmG are critical for apicoplast maintenance and parasite survival in Plasmodium falciparum.
Supporting Evidence
- Deletion of MnmE or MnmG resulted in apicoplast disruption and parasite death.
- Identified orthologs of enzymes involved in xm5s2U biosynthesis in the P. falciparum genome.
- Enzymes SufS and MnmA were previously shown to localize to the apicoplast.
Takeaway
This study shows that certain enzymes are necessary for the survival of malaria parasites by helping them make important modifications to their tRNA.
Methodology
Comparative genomics and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene deletion were used to identify and validate the essentiality of MnmE and MnmG.
Limitations
The study does not explore the mechanisms for the synthesis, recycling, and import of cofactors required for enzyme activity.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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