Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026
14:23
Quantitative Measurement of Invadopodia-mediated Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis in Single and Multicellular Contexts
Published on: August 27, 2012
20.1K
Apicomplexans pulling the strings: manipulation of the host cell cytoskeleton dynamics.
Rita Cardoso1, Helena Soares2, Andrew Hemphill1
1Institute of Parasitology,Vetsuisse Faculty,University of Berne,Länggass-Strasse 122,Bern 3012,Switzerland.
Parasitology
|April 5, 2016
Summary
Apicomplexan parasites manipulate host cell cytoskeletons for survival and proliferation. Understanding these interactions reveals potential targets for new therapies against parasitic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Apicomplexan parasites invade host cells to complete their life cycle.
- Parasite invasion involves close interaction with the host cell cytoskeleton.
- Cytoskeleton modulation by parasites is crucial for their survival and proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review interactions between apicomplexans and host cell cytoskeletal filaments.
- To identify parasite effector proteins and host cell targets.
- To understand how these interactions affect host cell physiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of apicomplexan-host cytoskeleton interactions.
- Analysis of parasite effector proteins and their host targets.
- Discussion of the impact on host cell physiology.
Main Results:
- Apicomplexans employ distinct mechanisms to modulate host microtubules, actin, and intermediate filaments.
- Specific parasite effector proteins and their host targets are involved in these modulations.
- These interactions significantly alter host cell functions.
Conclusions:
- Apicomplexan manipulation of the host cytoskeleton is a key survival strategy.
- Identified parasite-host interactions offer potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
- Further research into these mechanisms could lead to new treatments for apicomplexan infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:35Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
3.5K
Invadosome is a broad category of cell surface structures with proteolytic activity that degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadosomes are present in normal cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and neurons, as well as tumor cells. Although the macrophage podosomes and tumor cell invadopodia are classified as invadosomes, they have different structures, molecular pathways, and functions. Podosomes are short structures that last for a few minutes. However,...
3.5K
01:27Diversity of Protists II
2.0K
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
2.0K
01:39Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
3.4K
Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
3.4K
01:32Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration
5.7K
A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker...
5.7K
01:13Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
7.1K
Actin is a family of globular proteins that are highly abundant in eukaryotic cells. It makes up approximately 1-5% of total cell protein concentration. Actin monomers polymerize to form a complex network of polarized filaments, the actin cytoskeleton, that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including cell motility, division, endocytosis, and metastasis of cancer cells.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
7.1K
01:10Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
3.8K
Intracellular bacteria and viruses often comprise a group of highly infectious pathogens that can cause several diseases. Bacterial pathogens include those belonging to the genus Rickettsia responsible for conditions such as rocky mountain spotted fever and the Mediterranean spotted fever; Chlamydia, a genus responsible for a sexually transmitted disease; Coxiella burnetii, an agent responsible for Q fever. Viral pathogens include vaccinia—a poxvirus, and herpes simplex virus—a...
3.8K