<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> association with host mitochondria requires key mitochondrial protein import machinery
Matthew L. Blank, Jing Xia, Mary Morcos, Mai Sun, Pamela S. Cantrell, Yang Liu, Xuemei Zeng, Cameron J. Powell, Nathan A. Yates, Martin J. Boulanger, Jon P. Boyle
Abstract
Significance Many pathogens manipulate the host environment to promote their survival and eventual transmission. Toxoplasma gondii , an intracellular parasite that can cause disease in those with weakened immune systems, is no exception. One of the more dramatic effects of T. gondii infection on the host cell is a relocalization of the host mitochondria around the parasite-containing vacuole. Here, we have identified two host proteins that are required for T. gondii manipulation of host mitochondria, both of which are involved in mitochondrial protein import. This discovery is a remarkable example of a parasite gene evolving to specifically target a host receptor on the surface of an organelle.