Functional Dissection of Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Host Invasion and Replication in the Obligate Intracellular Pathogen Toxoplasma Gondii

Functional Dissection of Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Host Invasion and Replication in the Obligate Intracellular Pathogen Toxoplasma Gondii
Author: Joshua Ryan Beck
Publisher:
Total Pages: 308
Release: 2012
Genre:
ISBN:

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Apicomplexans are a large group of obligate intracellular parasites including Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of human malaria, and Toxoplasma gondii, an important pathogen of immunocompromised individuals. T. gondii is capable of replicating in a broad range of host cells and establishes its infection by actively invading its host cells. This invasion process is mediated by the rhoptries, unique apical secretory organelles that inject a complex of proteins into the host cell to facilitate penetration through formation of a tight-junction interface between the parasite and host called the moving junction (MJ). During the invasion process, a parasitophorus vacuole is created within which the parasite resides, evading destruction by host lysosomes. Sequestered within this vacuole, the parasite is free to divide by a unique process of internal budding known as endodyogeny wherein two daughter parasites form within a mother cell. Following repeated rounds of replication, the host is disrupted and the parasites egress out to re-invade neighboring cells, beginning this lytic cycle anew. A better understanding of these unique processes of host cell invasion and parasite replication are needed as the pathology caused by T. gondii and other apicomplexans is dependent on these processes. In the first section of this dissertation, I describe the discovery and functional analysis of a Toxoplasma palmitoyl acyl transferase (TgDHHC7) that localizes to the surface of the rhoptries. Remarkably, conditional disruption of this enzyme results in a loss of apical tethering of the rhoptries and a complete block in their function, allowing for a definitive establishment of their role in invasion but not replication or egress. Palmitoylation by membrane-resident PATs is a well-characterized mechanism for recruiting proteins to target membrane systems. Therefore, it is likely that TgPAT1 facilitates apical tethering of rhoptries by recruiting one or more proteins to the cytosolic face of the rhoptry membrane which then serve to mediate docking. Indeed, knockdown of the palmitoylated rhoptry armadillo-repeat protein TgARO recapitulates loss of TgDHHC7, showing this protein is also required for rhoptry tethering and strongly suggesting it is a target of TgDHHC7. During invasion, a complex of the rhoptry neck proteins RON2/4/5/8 localizes to the MJ where it is thought to provide a stable anchoring point for host penetration. This complex is also believed to serve as a molecular filter that restricts access of host plasma membrane proteins to the nascent parasitophorus vacuole, protecting it from lysosomal fusion. During the initiation of invasion, the preformed MJ/RON complex is injected into the host cell where RON2 spans the plasma membrane while RON4/5/8 localize to its cytosolic face. While an important interaction between a parasite surface-bound adhesin, AMA1, and RON2 outside of the host cell has been elucidated, little is known about the interactions and role of the MJ/RONs present within the host cytosol. In the second section, I provide a comprehensive analysis of RON5. Using a conditional knockdown approach, I show RON5 is critical for the organization of the MJ RON complex and that disruption of this complex results in a block in rhoptry secretion and host invasion, demonstrating the importance of MJ RONs for host entry. Furthermore, domain analysis of RON5 using functional complementation reveals that a C-terminal region of RON5 is critical for RON2 stability and invasion, defining the first functionally important domain in RON5. Apicomplexan parasites undergo complex life cycles, employing unique forms of internal budding for their replication. The simplest example of these is the Toxoplasma binary division system known as endodyogeny, wherein two daughter parasites are assembled within an intact mother cell. Internal budding is facilitated through the de novo construction of an inner membrane complex (IMC), a series of flattened vesicles and underlying cytoskeletal features that provides the scaffold for daughter cell assembly within the cytosol. Little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate internal budding. The final section of this work identifies the apicomplexan-specific IMC Sub-compartment Protein (ISP) family of IMC proteins in Toxoplasma. These proteins are organized into distinct sub-compartments within the IMC and this arrangement was found to depend on coordinated myristoylation and palmitoylation of conserved N-terminal residues in each protein as well as a unique hierarchical targeting mechanism. Interestingly, while a replicating parasite typically produces two daughters per round of division, disruption of ISP2 results in the assembly of aberrant numbers of daughters with a corresponding loss in parasite fitness indicating a role for this family in the control of budding. Together, these studies provide valuable new insights into host cell invasion and parasite division in this important opportunistic pathogen.

Toxoplasma Gondii Host Interactions: A Story of Immune Attack and Parasite Counterattack

Toxoplasma Gondii Host Interactions: A Story of Immune Attack and Parasite Counterattack
Author: Jeroen P. J. Saeij
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2020-08-10
Genre:
ISBN: 2889634027

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Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including an estimated ~30% of humans. It can cause severe disease in immune-suppressed individuals and in fetuses as well as blinding chorioretinitis in adults and children. Toxoplasma-innate immune system interactions determine early parasite control and activation of the adaptive immune system by the host and are therefore critical in determining host survival during the acute phase of infection. However, induction of an exaggerated inflammatory response can also lead to pathology. Only the chronic tissue cyst form of Toxoplasma is orally infectious. It is therefore critical for the parasite’s survival during the chronic phase to escape immune responses at this stage as well. Toxoplasma exists as genetically divergent strains mostly depending on geography, with the most strain diversity being found in South America. The key to Toxoplasma’s successful co-option of the host are proteins secreted from its rhoptry and dense granule secretory organelles. Rhoptry proteins (ROPs) are secreted into the host cell cytoplasm upon invasion while dense granule proteins (GRAs) are secreted once the parasite establishes itself in its parasitophorous vacuole (PV). GRAs can localize to the PV, the PV membrane, or are secreted beyond the PVM into the host cytoplasm. Many ROPs and GRAs are involved in modulating host cell signaling pathways and evasion of host immune responses and play important roles in Toxoplasma virulence. Polymorphisms in Toxoplasma’s ROPs and GRAs, likely determine how well these effectors bind to the divergent substrates in different host species, which can explain Toxoplasma strain differences in virulence in a particular host species. By studying Toxoplasma we have not only started to unravel how the parasite modulates immune responses to enhance its survival, replication, and transmission but we have also learned a lot about the immune system. Many unique mechanisms of immunity have indeed been defined using Toxoplasma and this parasite has aided our understanding of tissue-specific immune responses in the brain and intestine. This Research Topic will give a comprehensive overview of Toxoplasma-host immune response interactions. Most Toxoplasma virulence determinants to date have been established in murine systems and it is unclear how the parasite interacts with other intermediate hosts and humans. In addition, the interactions of Toxoplasma with some of the most relevant cell types during infection, including dendritic cells, neurons, intestinal epithelial cells or vascular endothelial cells, remain poorly understood.

Toxoplasma Gondii

Toxoplasma Gondii
Author: Louis M. Weiss
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 1109
Release: 2013-08-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0123965365

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This 2e of Toxoplasma gondii reflects the significant advances in the field in the last 5 years, including new information on the genomics, epigenomics and proteomics of T. gondii as well as a new understanding of the population biology and genetic diversity of this organism. T. gondii remains the best model system for studying the entire Apicomplexa group of protozoans, which includes Malaria, making this new edition essential for a broad group of researchers and scientists. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a one-celled protozoan parasite known as T. gondii. The infection produces a wide range of clinical syndromes in humans, land and sea mammals, and various bird species. Most humans contract toxoplasmosis by eating contaminated, raw or undercooked meat (particularly pork), vegetables, or milk products; by coming into contact with the T. gondii eggs from cat feces; or by drinking contaminated water. The parasite damages the ocular and central nervous systems, causing behavioral and personality alterations as well as fatal necrotizing encephalitis. It is especially dangerous for the fetus of an infected pregnant woman and for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as HIV-infected patients. Completely updated, the 2e presents recent advances driven by new information on the genetics and genomics of the pathogen Provides the latest information concerning the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of toxoplasmosis Offers a single-source reference for a wide range of scientists and physicians working with this pathogen, including parasitologists, cell and molecular biologists, veterinarians, neuroscientists, physicians, and food scientists

Cell Death

Cell Death
Author: Tobias Ntuli
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 448
Release: 2015-12-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9535122363

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This book is a collection of selected and relevant research, concerning the developments within the Cell Death field of study. Each contribution comes as a separate chapter complete in itself but directly related to the books topics and objectives. The target audience comprises scholars and specialists in the field.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis
Author: David H. M. Joynson
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2005-09-08
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780521019422

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This authoritative and comprehensive account looks at the reemergence of toxoplasmosis as a significant and potentially fatal infection. A team of acknowledged international experts review the latest diagnostic techniques, and the management of infection in pregnant women, neonates, the eye, transplant and other immunosuppressed patients, including AIDS patients. The contentious issue of the role of screening during pregnancy and in the newborn is covered in depth. The introductory chapters on biology, immunology, and epidemiology of the infection provide essential background to understanding the clinical disease. The full range of treatment strategies are presented in an easily accessible form.

Genetics of Animal Health and Disease in Livestock

Genetics of Animal Health and Disease in Livestock
Author: Bianca Castiglioni
Publisher: MDPI
Total Pages: 188
Release: 2021-06-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3036508961

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Wood surface attributes can be established by examining its several different physical or chemical properties. Differences in the wood surfaces occur between the manufacturing and post-treatment processes as well. Understanding how their unique anisotropic molecular organization, chemical linkages, branching, and other molecular features govern micro- and macroscale accessibility is essential for coating and complex modification processes. It is therefore important for scientific as well as practical reasons to qualify and quantify the effects of wood surface treatments and modifications. Challenges still exist to fully understanding the effect of the numerous applied chemicals and the wide range of treatment processes on wood surfaces.

Medical and Veterinary Entomology

Medical and Veterinary Entomology
Author: Gary R. Mullen
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 646
Release: 2009-04-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080919693

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Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Second Edition, has been fully updated and revised to provide the latest information on developments in entomology relating to public health and veterinary importance. Each chapter is structured with the student in mind, organized by the major headings of Taxonomy, Morphology, Life History, Behavior and Ecology, Public Health and Veterinary Importance, and Prevention and Control. This second edition includes separate chapters devoted to each of the taxonomic groups of insects and arachnids of medical or veterinary concern, including spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks. Internationally recognized editors Mullen and Durden include extensive coverage of both medical and veterinary entomological importance. This book is designed for teaching and research faculty in medical and veterinary schools that provide a course in vector borne diseases and medical entomology; parasitologists, entomologists, and government scientists responsible for oversight and monitoring of insect vector borne diseases; and medical and veterinary school libraries and libraries at institutions with strong programs in entomology. Follows in the tradition of Herm's Medical and Veterinary Entomology The latest information on developments in entomology relating to public health and veterinary importance Two separate indexes for enhanced searchability: Taxonomic and Subject New to this edition: Three new chapters Morphological Adaptations of Parasitic Arthropods Forensic Entomology Molecular Tools in Medical and Veterinary Entomology 1700 word glossary Appendix of Arthropod-Related Viruses of Medical-Veterinary Importance Numerous new full-color images, illustrations and maps throughout

Genome Mapping and Genomics in Animal-Associated Microbes

Genome Mapping and Genomics in Animal-Associated Microbes
Author: Vishvanath Nene
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 253
Release: 2008-11-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3540740422

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Achievements and progress in genome mapping and the genomics of microbes supersede by far those for higher plants and animals, in part due to their enormous economic implication but also smaller genome size. In the post-genomic era, whole genome sequences of animal-associated microbes are providing clues to depicting the genetic basis of the complex host-pathogen relationships and the evolution of parasitism; and to improving methods of controlling pathogens. This volume focuses on a globally important group of intracellular prokaryotic pathogens which affect livestock animals. These include Brucella, Mycobacterium, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, as well as the protozoan pathogens Cryptosporidium and Theileria, for which genome sequence data is available. Insights from comparative genomics of the microbes described provide clues to the adaptation involved in host-microbe interactions, as well as resources potentially useful for application in future research and product development.