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Gliding motility: an efficient mechanism for cell penetration
L D Sibley1, S Hâkansson, V B Carruthers
1Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|March 28, 1998
Abstract:
An important group of animal and human pathogens, belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, employs a novel form of motility, known as gliding, to move on solid substrates and to enter host cells. Gliding is dependent on the parasite cytoskeleton and involves a conserved family of secretory adhesins.
Insights
Apicomplexa parasites use a unique gliding motility to invade host cells. This movement relies on the parasite
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Apicomplexa are significant pathogens in animals and humans.
- These parasites possess a unique motility mechanism called gliding.
- Gliding is crucial for host cell invasion and parasite dissemination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of gliding motility in Apicomplexa.
- To identify key molecular components involved in parasite gliding.
- To understand the role of secretory adhesins in Apicomplexa pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of parasite cytoskeleton structure and function.
- Identification and characterization of secretory adhesins.
- Functional assays to assess the role of adhesins in gliding and invasion.
Main Results:
- Gliding motility is essential for Apicomplexa survival and infectivity.
- A conserved family of secretory adhesins mediates parasite adhesion to substrates.
- These adhesins are critical for the process of host cell entry.
Conclusions:
- Secretory adhesins are key players in Apicomplexa gliding motility.
- Targeting these adhesins could offer new strategies for controlling Apicomplexa infections.
- Understanding gliding provides insights into parasite-host interactions.