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Updated: May 11, 2026
3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
Published on: December 9, 2014
Characterization of mouse brain microRNAs after infection with cyst-forming Toxoplasma gondii
Background:
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii can interfere with host cell signaling pathways, alter host defense systems and cell cycle control, and establish a chronic infection in the central nervous system. T. gondii infection may alter the expression profile of host microRNAs (miRNAs) which have key regulatory functions at the post-transcriptional level.
Methods:
Using high-throughput sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR technology, we compared the miRNA expression profiles of uninfected mouse brains with brains from mice at 14 days and 21 days after infection with cyst-forming T. gondii (Type II).
Results:
A total of 51.30 million raw reads were obtained from all samples and 495 (14d infected mouse sample), 511 (14d sham-infected control), 504 (21d infected mouse sample) and 514 (21d sham-infected control) miRNA candidates identified. Among these, 414 miRNAs were consistent across all the studied groups, 17 were specific to the 14d infected group and 32 were specific to the 21d infected group. In addition, 9 miRNAs were common to both the 14d- and 21d-infected groups. Enrichment analysis for the targets of these miRNAs showed a high percentage of "protein tag" functions. Immune related targets including chemokines, cytokines, growth factors and interleukins were also found.
Conclusions:
These results not only showed that the miRNA expression of the host can be changed by the invasion of cyst-forming T. gondii, but also indicated that the host attempts to respond using two tactics: marking proteins with "protein tags" and adaptation of immune related systems.
Insights
Toxoplasma gondii infection alters host microRNA (miRNA) expression in mouse brains. The host responds by tagging proteins and adapting immune systems to combat the parasite.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that infects the central nervous system.
- T. gondii infection can disrupt host cell signaling, defenses, and cell cycle.
- Host microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and may be affected by T. gondii.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in host miRNA expression profiles during T. gondii infection.
- To compare miRNA expression in infected and uninfected mouse brains at different time points.
Main Methods:
- High-throughput sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR were used.
- miRNA expression profiles were compared between uninfected and T. gondii-infected mouse brains at 14 and 21 days post-infection.
Main Results:
- Over 51 million raw reads identified hundreds of miRNA candidates.
- Distinct miRNA expression patterns were observed in infected versus control groups.
- Enrichment analysis revealed targets involved in protein tagging and immune responses (cytokines, chemokines).
Conclusions:
- T. gondii infection significantly alters host miRNA expression in the brain.
- The host employs protein tagging and immune system adaptation as defense mechanisms against T. gondii.
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