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A toolbox for conditional control of gene expression in apicomplexan parasites
Sylvie Briquet1, Mathieu Gissot2, Olivier Silvie1
1INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
Molecular Microbiology
|September 26, 2021
Summary
Researchers review methods for controlling gene expression in apicomplexan parasites like Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. These techniques aid in understanding parasite biology and developing new therapies against diseases such as malaria and toxoplasmosis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Apicomplexan parasites cause significant human and animal diseases, including malaria (Plasmodium spp.) and toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii).
- Genetic manipulation is crucial for understanding parasite biology, gene function, and identifying therapeutic targets.
- Advances in sequencing and genome editing have enabled sophisticated genetic studies in these parasites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of current conditional gene expression systems in Plasmodium and Toxoplasma.
- To highlight the advantages and limitations of various genetic manipulation strategies.
- To facilitate research aimed at developing novel therapeutic interventions against apicomplexan infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on conditional gene expression techniques in apicomplexan parasites.
- Categorization of methods based on regulatory level: DNA, RNA, and protein.
- Analysis of inducible site-specific recombinases, stage-specific/regulatable promoters, mRNA stability/translation control, and protein degradation/displacement systems.
Main Results:
- Conditional gene expression can be achieved at DNA, RNA, or protein levels, offering flexibility in experimental design.
- DNA-level control utilizes inducible site-specific recombinases for targeted genome editing.
- RNA-level control involves transcriptional regulation via promoters or post-transcriptional modifications of mRNA.
- Protein-level control employs systems for inducible protein degradation or displacement.
Conclusions:
- A variety of conditional gene expression systems are available for Plasmodium and Toxoplasma research.
- Each system offers distinct advantages and limitations, requiring careful selection based on experimental goals.
- These tools are essential for dissecting essential gene functions and developing targeted therapies against apicomplexan parasites.
