AP2X-1 is a negative regulator of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> sexual commitment.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan with a complex life cycle, characterized by transitions between various hosts and developmental stages, each tailored to a specific niche within its host. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing these life cycle transitions are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the AP2 factor AP2X-1, which is expressed during the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages but decreases in the mature merozoite stage. Knockout of ap2X-1 significantly impaired tachyzoite invasion and replication while increasing the frequency of bradyzoite differentiation. As a component associated with the HDAC3/MORC complex, loss of ap2X-1 led to the upregulation of bradyzoite- and sexual stage-specific genes. Single-cell sequencing revealed that

SUBMITTER: Sun L-X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12421964 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature