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Do Toxoplasma gondii RH strain tachyzoites evolve during continuous passage?
1Scottish Toxoplasma Reference Laboratory, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness IV2 3UJ, UK. microbiology@haht.scot.nhs.uk
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|May 29, 2004
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii RH strain lineages B and Q showed stable performance in dye tests and gene expression during continuous cell culture. Lineage J exhibited unpredictable growth and unstable gene expression, indicating it should be avoided.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii RH strain is a widely used model organism.
- Different lineages of T. gondii can exhibit variable characteristics.
- Understanding lineage stability is crucial for reliable experimental results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare three Toxoplasma gondii RH strain lineages (B, J, Q) based on dye test performance, culture characteristics, and gene expression.
- To identify factors contributing to performance anomalies in T. gondii stocks.
Main Methods:
- Assessed historical data on culture growth and dye test performance of RH strain tachyzoite lineages B, J, and Q.
- Analyzed gene expression using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis during adaptation to continuous HeLa cell culture.
Main Results:
- Lineages B and Q demonstrated consistent tachyzoite production suitable for dye tests with stable gene expression post-passage.
- Lineage J displayed erratic growth, unsuitable tachyzoites for dye tests, and fluctuating gene expression.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates performance variations among T. gondii RH strain lineages.
- Lineages undergoing active evolution in cell culture present unpredictable outcomes and should be avoided in research.