Translation in organelles of apicomplexan parasites

Abstract

The protein translation machineries of the apicoplast and mitochondrion–the two actively translating organelles of apicomplexan parasites–have potential sites for drug intervention against diseases caused by these organisms. Work in the past few years, particularly on Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii, has shown that a reduced machinery of enzymes and factors is sufficient for organellar translation, which is also supported by components shared with the cytosolic translation system. This interplay between eukaryotic and prokaryotic-like components for mRNA translation in organelles is reviewed here. We also discuss functional and structural aspects of factors mediating initiation, elongation, and termination of polypeptides, and recycling of the reduced ribosomes of the apicoplast and mitochondrion.