MORN Repeat Containing Protein 1 (MORN1)

MORN1 is highly conserved among apicomplexan parasites and is associated with several structures that have a role in cell division. Ablation of MORN1 in a conditional null mutant resulted in pronounced defects suggesting a central role for MORN1 in apicoplast segregation and in daughter cell budding. Lack of MORN1 resulted in double-headed parasites. MORN1 is essential for assembly of the basal complex, and that lack of the basal complex abolishes the contractile capacity assigned to the basal complex late in daughter formation.

MORN1 mutants fail to efficiently constrict and divide the apicoplast. MORN1 is required for basal complex assembly and loss of MORN1 results in defects in apicoplast division and daughter segregation.