A guide to the apicomplexan cell cycle: endodyogeny and schizogony

This review focuses on recent advances in the field of cell division of eukaryotic pathogens of the phylum Apicomplexa, a group of pathogens known for their diverse modes of cell division. We cover two topics - an organization and a regulation of the apicomplexan cell cycles - using models of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and Plasmodium falciparum merozoites of the red blood cell stage. The review emphasizes differences and similarities between the conventional cell cycle of the parasite's host cells and apicomplexan cell cycles, and between binary and multinuclear divisions of Apicomplexa. Although many factors play a role in cell cycle regulation, we concentrated on the central cell cycle regulators, cyclin-dependent kinase complexes.