Anti-Rhoptry neck protein 4 antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Rhoptry neck protein 4 (RON4) is an important component found in the rhoptries of apicomplexan parasites such as Plasmodium species. Alternative names for RON4 include Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes Protein 4. This protein has a molecular mass of approximately 95 kDa. RON4 is expressed during the merozoite stage of the parasite's life cycle and locates at the apical end of the parasite cell. The protein interacts critically with other rhoptry proteins to form a moving junction when parasites invade host cells.

Biological function summary

RON4 plays an essential role in the invasion process of apicomplexan parasites into host cells. RON4 is part of a complex with other rhoptry neck proteins like RON2 and RON5. During invasion these proteins form a structure known as the moving junction anchoring to the host cell membrane. This structure facilitates entry into the host cell by driving the parasite toward the eventual parasitophorous vacuole which envelops the invading parasite allowing it to survive and replicate within the host.

Pathways

The role of RON4 in host cell invasion ties it to key biological pathways such as the signal transduction pathway involved in cytoskeletal rearrangement and the parasite's gliding motility pathway. RON4's association with RON2 RON5 and AMA1 (Apical Membrane Antigen 1) is important for completing the signaling cascade that regulates the actin-myosin motor machinery responsible for host cell penetration and parasitophorous vacuole formation.

Associated diseases and disorders

RON4 is significantly implicated in malaria pathogenesis given that it is paramount for the invasion of Plasmodium parasites into red blood cells. The disruption of RON4 function could lead to impaired parasite invasion offering potential for therapeutic intervention. Additionally Toxoplasma gondii another apicomplexan parasite associated with toxoplasmosis shares similar invasion mechanisms involving RON4 and related proteins such as RON2 which might offer cross-species insights into treatment strategies for both malaria and toxoplasmosis.