Publications by authors named "Pradeep K Sheokand"

The diversity of cellular phospholipids, crucial for membrane homeostasis and function, arises from enzymatic remodeling of their fatty acyl chains. In this work, we reveal that poorly understood TRAM-LAG1-CLN8 domain (TLCD)-containing proteins are phospholipid remodeling enzymes. We demonstrate that TLCD1 is an evolutionarily conserved lysophosphatidylethanolamine acyltransferase, which regulates cellular phospholipid composition and generates previously undescribed fatty acid and thiamine (vitamin B1) esters as its secondary products.

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Article Synopsis
  • The mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) is crucial for processes like ATP synthesis and the production of pyrimidines, with complex III (cytochrome complex) playing a key role in electron transfer and proton gradient generation.
  • Research highlights that the composition of complex III in parasites (PfCIII) differs from humans, making it a promising target for antimalarial drugs like atovaquone and other pre-clinical inhibitors.
  • This study demonstrates the importance of the PfCIII subunit, PfRieske, in parasite survival and gametocyte maturation, linking genetic disruption of PfRieske to mitochondrial dysfunction and emphasizing its potential as a target for future antimalarial drug development.
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Phospholipid metabolism is crucial for membrane biogenesis and homeostasis of Plasmodium falciparum. To generate such phospholipids, the parasite extensively scavenges, recycles, and reassembles host lipids. P.

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The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum possesses unique gliding machinery referred to as the glideosome that powers its entry into the insect and vertebrate hosts. Several parasite proteins including Photosensitized INA-labelled protein 1 (PhIL1) have been shown to associate with glideosome machinery. Here we describe a novel PhIL1 associated protein complex that co-exists with the glideosome motor complex in the inner membrane complex of the merozoite.

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Phospholipid synthesis is crucial for membrane proliferation in malaria parasites during the entire cycle in the host cell. The major phospholipid of parasite membranes, phosphatidylcholine (PC), is mainly synthesized through the Kennedy pathway. The phosphocholine required for this synthetic pathway is generated by phosphorylation of choline derived from the catabolism of the lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) scavenged from the host milieu.

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