Aldolase forms a bridge between cell surface adhesins and the actin cytoskeleton in apicomplexan parasites

Host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites requires coordinated interactions between cell surface adhesins and the parasite cytoskeleton. We have identified a complex of parasite proteins, including the actin binding protein aldolase, which specifically interacts with the C-terminal domains of several parasite adhesins belonging to the thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) family. Binding of aldolase to the adhesin was disrupted by mutation of a critical tryptophan in the C domain, a residue that was previously shown to be essential for parasite motility. Our findings reveal a potential role for aldolase in connecting TRAP family adhesins with the cytoskeleton, and provide a model linking adhesion with motility in apicomplexan parasites.