The apicoplast performs metabolic reactions essential for the parasite's survival, which include the synthesis of lipid precursors, heme and iron-sulfur clusters. In a second project, we investigate an ERAD-like process that moves proteins into the apicoplast, a plastid-like organell in unicellular parasites, like the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Protein import into the apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum These experiments will be complemented by studies in intact yeast cells. We take a bottom-up approach and try to understand the mechanism of ERAD by reconstituting the entire process with purified individual components. To study the mechanism of ERAD we use the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. How are misfolded proteins distinguished from folding intermediates? How are proteins moved across the membrane? How are they extracted from the membrane? How is the energy for membrane translocation provided? The aim of our research is to provide answers to these fundamental questions. cholera toxin).Ĭompared to other membrane translocation processes, the mechanism of ERAD is still poorly understood. Human cytomegalovirus) and bacterial toxins (e.g. The ERAD pathway is also co-opted by certain viruses (e.g. Besides its function in the removal of misfolded proteins, it plays an important role in the controlled degradation of metabolic enzymes, like the ones involved in sterol biosynthesis. This retro-translocation process is called ERAD (for ER-associated protein degradation) and is conserved in all eukaryotes. The ER does not itself degrade proteins, so a machinery has evolved that moves misfolded proteins into the cytosol where they can be degraded by the proteasome. A particularly intriguing process serves to discard misfolded proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ![]() Failure to discard such proteins often results in disease. The removal of misfolded proteins is an essential process in all cells. At the moment, we are working on two projects that both deal with the fundamental question of how proteins are moved across membranes. ![]() Our lab is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which membrane proteins function.
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