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Transport and trafficking: Toxoplasma as a model for Plasmodium
D S Roos1, M J Crawford, R G Donald
1Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Goddard Laboratories, Philadelphia 19104-6018, USA.
Novartis Foundation Symposium
|January 25, 2000
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, serves as a powerful model organism for studying apicomplexan biology and host-parasite interactions, advancing research beyond Plasmodium limitations.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium are apicomplexan protozoan parasites.
- T. gondii is an obligate intracellular pathogen amenable to laboratory manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight T. gondii as a model system for genetic and cell biological analysis.
- To demonstrate its utility in addressing research questions not easily studied in Plasmodium.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing molecular transformation protocols for genetic manipulation.
- Employing homologous and non-homologous recombination for gene studies.
- Conducting insertional mutagenesis for genome-wide analysis.
Main Results:
- Established T. gondii as a model for molecular genetic analysis.
- Facilitated biochemical, pharmacological, and cell biological studies.
- Enabled genetic identification of transporters and metabolic pathways.
Conclusions:
- T. gondii is a valuable surrogate model for apicomplexan research.
- Its experimental tractability advances understanding of parasite biology and host interactions.
- Careful consideration of biological similarities and differences is crucial for effective model system application.