Conditional knock-down of a novel coccidian protein leads to the formation of aberrant apical organelles and abrogates mature rhoptry positioning in Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii which is a member of the coccidian parasites owns a spatially polarized secretory system, which synthesizes de novo micronemes and rhoptries. These apical secretory organelles discharge their contents into host cells promoting invasion and survival. Herein, we identified a novel Coccidian Specific CORVET/HOPS Associated Protein (CSCHAP) belonging to the interaction network of both tethering complexes. CSCHAP is associated with the endomembrane system, rhoptries, micronemes and probably to the inner core of the conoid. Conditional depletion of CSCHAP leads to apical disconnection of rhoptries, aberrant apical organelles biogenesis and severely hinders T. gondii invasion. Overall, our study provides new insights into the mechanisms underpinning secretory organelles biogenesis in coccidian parasites.