In control of its fate: gene regulation in Toxoplasma gondii

The intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is an important opportunistic pathogen in animals and man. In parallel to its clinical significance, T. gondii is also receiving considerable attention as an attractive model organism for intracellular parasitism. Regulation of gene expression at various levels underlies the intricate interplay between the parasite and its host cell, as well as the interconversions between different life-stages. In this article we will discuss some of what is currently known about gene organization and gene regulation in T. gondii as well as some of the tools available to dissect the parasite at a molecular level.