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The cytoskeleton and motility in apicomplexan invasion
Ruth E Fowler1, Gabriele Margos, Graham H Mitchell
1Malaria Laboratory, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, Guy's, King's College and St Thomas's Hospitals' School of Medicine, New Guy's House, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
Advances in Parasitology
|January 9, 2004
Summary
The Apicomplexa parasite cytoskeleton, driven by actin and myosin motors, enables motility like gliding and invasion. Research details their unique structure and function for parasite movement.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Apicomplexa zoites possess a complex cytoskeletal structure crucial for their invasive life cycle.
- This structure includes a prominent microtubular cytoskeleton and a non-actin based filamentous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the cytoskeletal structure, function, and motility mechanisms of Apicomplexa zoites.
- To outline current knowledge on apicomplexan tubulins and actin-myosin interactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Apicomplexa cytoskeleton and motility.
- Analysis of molecular biology and chemistry of apicomplexan tubulins.
- Discussion of actin, myosin, and associated protein functions.
Main Results:
- Apicomplexa zoites exhibit a distinct polarized microtubular cytoskeleton originating from apical rings.
- Actin polymerization is tightly regulated and essential for the acto-myosin motor driving gliding, capping, and invasion.
- Several unique myosin classes are identified, with functions requiring further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The cytoskeleton and acto-myosin system are critical for Apicomplexa zoite motility and invasion.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the roles of various myosins and associated proteins in parasite biology.