Apicomplexan F-actin is required for efficient nuclear entry during host cell invasion

ABSTRACT: The obligate intracellular parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp. invade host cells by injecting a protein complex into the membrane of the targeted cell that bridges the two cells through the assembly of a ring-like junction. This circular junction stretches while the parasites applies a traction force to pass through; a step that typically concurs with transient constriction of the parasite body. Here we analyse F-actin dynamics during host cell invasion. Super-resolution microscopy and real time imaging highlighted an F-actin pool at the apex of pre-invading parasite, an F-actin ring at the junction area during invasion but also networks of perinuclear and posteriorly localized F-actin. Mutant parasites with dysfunctional acto-myosin showed significant decrease of junctional a

SUBMITTER: Mr. Mario Del Rosario 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-EMBOR-2019-48896-T | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other