Characterization of a Protein Phosphatase Type-1 and a Kinase Anchoring Protein in Plasmodium falciparum

Characterization of a Protein Phosphatase Type-1 and a Kinase Anchoring Protein in Plasmodium falciparum

Blog Article

With its multiple regulatory partners, the conserved Specialty Equipment Protein Phosphatase type-1 (PP1) plays a central role in many functions of the biology of eukaryotic cells, including Plasmodium falciparum.Here, we characterized a protein named PfRCC-PIP, as a major partner of PfPP1.We established its direct interaction in vitro and its presence in complex with PfPP1 in the parasite.The use of Xenopus oocyte model revealed that RCC-PIP can interact with the endogenous PP1 and act in synergy with suboptimal doses of progesterone to trigger oocyte maturation, suggesting a regulatory effect on PP1.

Reverse genetic studies suggested an essential role for RCC-PIP since no Brandy Glasses viable knock-out parasites could be obtained.Further, we demonstrated the capacity of protein region containing RCC1 motifs to interact with the parasite kinase CDPK7.These data suggest that this protein is both a kinase and a phosphatase anchoring protein that could provide a platform to regulate phosphorylation/dephosphorylation processes.