NcPuf1 Is a Key Virulence Factor in Neospora caninum.

ABSTRACT: Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that infects many mammals and particularly causes abortion in cattle. The key factors in its wide distribution are its virulence and ability to transform between tachyzoite and bradyzoite forms. However, the factors are not well understood. Although Puf protein (named after Pumilio from Drosophila melanogaster and fem-3 binding factor from Caenorhabditis elegans) have a functionally conserved role in promoting proliferation and inhibiting differentiation in many eukaryotes, the function of the Puf proteins in N. caninum is poorly understood. The CRISPR/CAS9 system was used to identify and study the function of the Puf protein in N. caninum. We showed that N. caninum encodes a Puf protein, which was designated NcPuf1. NcPuf1 is found in the cytop

SUBMITTER: Wang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7761618 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature