Ovciarikova, JanaOliveira Souza, Rodolpho OrnitzArrizabalaga, GustavoSheiner, Lilach2023-09-112023-09-112022Ovciarikova J, Oliveira Souza RO, Arrizabalaga G, Sheiner L. Protein control of membrane and organelle dynamics: Insights from the divergent eukaryote Toxoplasma gondii. Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2022;76:102085. doi:10.1016/j.ceb.2022.102085https://hdl.handle.net/1805/35538Integral membrane protein complexes control key cellular functions in eukaryotes by defining membrane-bound spaces within organelles and mediating inter-organelles contacts. Despite the critical role of membrane complexes in cell biology, most of our knowledge is from a handful of model systems, primarily yeast and mammals, while a full functional and evolutionary understanding remains incomplete without the perspective from a broad range of divergent organisms. Apicomplexan parasites are single-cell eukaryotes whose survival depends on organelle compartmentalisation and communication. Studies of a model apicomplexan, Toxoplasma gondii, reveal unexpected divergence in the composition and function of complexes previously considered broadly conserved, such as the mitochondrial ATP synthase and the tethers mediating ER-mitochondria membrane contact sites. Thus, Toxoplasma joins the repertoire of divergent model eukaryotes whose research completes our understanding of fundamental cell biology.en-USAttribution 4.0 InternationalEukaryotaOrganellesProtozoan proteinsToxoplasmaArticle