Apicomplexan mitochondrial metabolism: a story of gains, losses and retentions

Trends Parasitol. 2008 Oct;24(10):468-78. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2008.07.004. Epub 2008 Sep 3.

Abstract

Apicomplexans form a large group of obligate intracellular parasites that occupy diverse environmental niches. To adapt to their hosts, these parasites have evolved sophisticated strategies to access host-cell nutrients and minimize exposure to the host's defence mechanisms. Concomitantly, they have drastically reshaped their own metabolic functions by retaining, losing or gaining genes for metabolic enzymes. Although several Apicomplexans remain experimentally intractable, bioinformatic analyses of their genomes have generated preliminary metabolic maps. Here, we compare the metabolic pathways of five Apicomplexans, focusing on their different mitochondrial functions, which highlight their adaptation to their individual intracellular habitats.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Animals
  • Apicomplexa / metabolism
  • Apicomplexa / physiology*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions*
  • Life Cycle Stages / immunology
  • Life Cycle Stages / physiology
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Protozoan Infections / parasitology*