Restriction Checkpoint Controls Bradyzoite Development in Toxoplasma gondii.

ABSTRACT: Human toxoplasmosis is a life-threatening disease caused by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Rapid replication of the tachyzoite is associated with symptomatic disease, while suppressed division of the bradyzoite is responsible for chronic disease. Here, we identified the T. gondii cell cycle mechanism, the G₁ restriction checkpoint (R-point), that operates the switch between parasite growth and differentiation. Apicomplexans lack conventional R-point regulators, suggesting adaptation of alternative factors. We showed that Cdk-related G₁ kinase TgCrk2 forms alternative complexes with atypical cyclins (TgCycP1, TgCycP2, and TgCyc5) in the rapidly dividing developmentally incompetent RH and slower dividing developmentally competent ME49 tachyzoites and brady

SUBMITTER: Naumov AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9241953 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature