The Multifaceted Role of Protein Phosphatase 1 in Plasmodium

Protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) forms a wide range of Ser/Thr-specific phosphatase holoenzymes which contain one catalytic subunit (PP1c), present in all eukaryotic cells, associated with variable subunits known as regulatory proteins. It has recently been shown that regulators take a leading role in the organization and the control of PP1 functions. Many studies have addressed the role of these regulators in diverse organisms, including humans, and investigated their link to diseases. In this review we summarize recent advances on the role of PP1c in Plasmodium, its interactome and regulators. As a proof of concept, peptides interfering with the regulator binding capacity of PP1c were shown to inhibit the growth of P. falciparum, suggesting their potential as drug precursors.

Automated summary

Protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) is a key enzyme present in all eukaryotic cells, forming holoenzymes with regulatory proteins to control cellular functions. Recent studies have focused on the role of PP1 in Plasmodium, its interactome, and potential as drug targets. Peptides disrupting PP1's interaction with regulatory proteins show promise as inhibitors of Plasmodium growth.