Hammondia hammondi harbors functional orthologs of the host-modulating effectors GRA15 and ROP16 but is distinguished from Toxoplasma gondii by a unique transcriptional profile.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii and its nearest extant relative, Hammondia hammondi, are phenotypically distinct despite their remarkable similarity in gene content, synteny, and functionality. To begin to identify genetic differences that might drive distinct infection phenotypes of T. gondii and H. hammondi, in the present study we (i) determined whether two known host-interacting proteins, dense granule protein 15 (GRA15) and rhoptry protein 16 (ROP16), were functionally conserved in H. hammondi and (ii) performed the first comparative transcriptional analysis of H. hammondi and T. gondii sporulated oocysts. We found that GRA15 and ROP16 from H. hammondi (HhGRA15 and HhROP16) modulate the host NF-κB and STAT6 pathways, respectively, when expressed heterologously in T. gondii. We also found the transc

SUBMITTER: Walzer KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4248688 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature