The beta subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase is critical for cell cycle progression and parasite development in Toxoplasma gondii.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread eukaryotic pathogen that causes life-threatening diseases in humans and diverse animals. It has a complex life cycle with multiple developmental stages, which are timely adjusted according to growth conditions. But the regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we show that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of energy homeostasis in eukaryotes, plays crucial roles in controlling the cell cycle progression and bradyzoite development in Toxoplasma. Deleting the β regulatory subunit of AMPK in the type II strain ME49 caused massive DNA damage and increased spontaneous conversion to bradyzoites (parasites at chronic infection stage), leading to severe growth arrest and reduced virulence of the parasites. Under alkaline stress, all Δa

SUBMITTER: Yang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11802946 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature