Comparative genome analysis reveals a conserved family of actin-like proteins in apicomplexan parasites.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The phylum Apicomplexa is an early-branching eukaryotic lineage that contains a number of important human and animal pathogens. Their complex life cycles and unique cytoskeletal features distinguish them from other model eukaryotes. Apicomplexans rely on actin-based motility for cell invasion, yet the regulation of this system remains largely unknown. Consequently, we focused our efforts on identifying actin-related proteins in the recently completed genomes of Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Theileria spp.

Results

Comparative genomic and phylogenetic studies of apicomplexan genomes reveals that most contain only a single conventional actin and yet they each have 8-10 additional actin-related proteins. Among these are a highly conserv

SUBMITTER: Gordon JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1334187 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature