Cytoskeleton organization in formation and motility of apicomplexan parasites

Apicomplexan parasites are a group of eukaryotic protozoans with diverse biology that have affected human health like no other group of parasites. These obligate intracellular parasites rely on their cytoskeletal structures for giving them form, enabling them to replicate in unique ways and to migra...

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Main Authors: Douglas, Ross G. (Author) , Moon, Robert W. (Author) , Frischknecht, Friedrich (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: August 02, 2024
In: Annual review of microbiology
Year: 2024, Volume: 78, Pages: 311-335
ISSN:1545-3251
DOI:10.1146/annurev-micro-041222-011539
Online Access:Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-micro-041222-011539
Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-micro-041222-011539
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Author Notes:Ross G. Douglas, Robert W. Moon, and Friedrich Frischknecht
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Summary:Apicomplexan parasites are a group of eukaryotic protozoans with diverse biology that have affected human health like no other group of parasites. These obligate intracellular parasites rely on their cytoskeletal structures for giving them form, enabling them to replicate in unique ways and to migrate across tissue barriers. Recent progress in transgenesis and imaging tools allowed detailed insights into the components making up and regulating the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton as well as the alveolate-specific intermediate filament-like cytoskeletal network. These studies revealed interesting details that deviate from the cell biology of canonical model organisms. Here we review the latest developments in the field and point to a number of open questions covering the most experimentally tractable parasites: Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria; Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis; and Cryptosporidium, a major cause of diarrhea.
Item Description:Gesehen am 30.06.2025
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1545-3251
DOI:10.1146/annurev-micro-041222-011539