ZFT is the major iron and zinc transporter in <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>.

ABSTRACT: Transition metals, such as iron and zinc, are indispensable trace elements for eukaryotic life, acting as co-factors in essential processes ranging from metabolism to DNA replication. These metals can be transported into cells by an evolutionary-conserved family of metal transporters; however, how the ubiquitous mammalian parasite Toxoplasma gondii acquires essential metals has been unknown. Here, we have identified and characterised the first iron and zinc importer in T. gondii. This transporter, named ZFT, localised to the parasite plasma membrane and is essential for the parasite's life cycle. We find ZFT is regulated by iron availability and overexpression sensitises cells to excess iron and zinc. Using a conditional knockdown system, we find that knockdown of ZFT leads t

SUBMITTER: Aghabi D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12875612 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature