Nuclear Factor AP2X-4 Governs the Expression of Cell Cycle- and Life Stage-Regulated Genes and is Critical for Toxoplasma Growth.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous pathogen infecting one third of the world's population and diverse animals. It has a complex life cycle alternating among different developmental stages, which contributes to its transmission and pathogenesis. The parasite has a sophisticated gene regulation network that enables timely expression of genes at designated stages. However, little is known about the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Here, we identified an AP2 family transcription factor named TgAP2X-4, which was crucial for parasite growth during the acute infection stage. TgAP2X-4 deletion leads to reduced expression of many genes that are normally upregulated during the M phase of the cell cycle. These include genes that encode rhoptry neck proteins that are key for parasite invasion.

SUBMITTER: Zhang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9430314 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature