PF3D7_0101200 Plasmodium exported protein (hyp4), unknown function exported protein family 3

Diagram of human erythrocyte infected with trophozoite stage Plasmodium falciparum parasite showing default secretion and regional export pathways. Within the ER, the binding of exported proteins to PI(3)P lipids and/or cleavage within the PEXEL motif by plasmepsin V appears to help sort these proteins from bulk default secreted proteins. Once sorted, the exported proteins may traffic to export zones at the parasites surface via a dedicated vesicular pathway and be translocated by PTEX into the host cell compartment. It is currently unknown whether all exported proteins or just the PEXEL containing subset use this route. Once in the host HSP70 chaperones and parasite derived dnaJ proteins and vesicular structures such as J-dots EDVs, 25 nm and Maurer's clefts may help refold exported proteins to their final destinations. Abbreviations: EDV, electron dense vesicle; KAHRP, knob associated histidine-rich protein.

Bullen HE, Crabb BS, Gilson PR. Recent insights into the export of PEXEL/HTS-motif containing proteins in Plasmodium parasites. Curr Opin Microbiol. 2012 15(6):699-704.. PMID: 23092921.

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