[Advances in epigenetic researches of Toxoplasma gondii]

Toxoplasma gondii undergoes a complex life cycle that involves multiple development stages, hosts and environments. The ability to transform from one stage to another and adapt to changing environments demands precise regulation of gene expression. Bioinformatic surveys of the sequenced genomes of T. gondii revealed a peculiar absence of DNA-binding transcription factors that are well-conserved from yeast through humans, but a wealth of epigenetic machinery present in T. gondii. Evidence from reports demonstrates that remodeling of the chromatin structure particularly through post-translational modifications of histones, such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation, is potentially a major process that coordinates regulation of its gene expression. In addition, no-coding RNAs may play an important role in modulating gene expression of T. gondii. These results provide reliable foundations for prevention of toxoplasmosis by revealing its pathogenic mechanism.