A streamlined CRISPR/Cas9 approach for fast genome editing in Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia besnoiti.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Besnoitia besnoiti (B. besnoiti) are closely related coccidian parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, which comprises many other important pathogens of humans and livestock. T. gondii is considered a model organism for studying the cell biology of Apicomplexa mainly due to the ease of propagation in diverse host cells and the availability of a wide range of genetic tools. Conversely, B. besnoiti in vitro culture systems currently exist only for the acute phase of infection, and genetic manipulation has proven much more challenging. In recent years, the targeted editing of chromosomal DNA by the programmable CRISPR-associated (Cas)9 enzyme has greatly improved the scope and accuracy of genetic manipulation i

SUBMITTER: Winiger RR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7865079 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature