Toxoplasma gondii infection specifically increases the levels of key host microRNAs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect and replicate in virtually any nucleated cell in many species of warm-blooded animals; thus, it has evolved the ability to exploit well-conserved biological processes common to its diverse hosts. Here we have investigated whether Toxoplasma modulates the levels of host microRNAs (miRNAs) during infection.

Methodology/principal findings

Using microarray profiling and a combination of conventional molecular approaches we report that Toxoplasma specifically modulates the expression of important host microRNAs during infection. We show that both the primary transcripts for miR-17 approximately 92 and miR-106b approximately 25 and the pivotal miRNAs that are derived from miR-17 approximately 92 display increased ab

SUBMITTER: Zeiner GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2806928 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature