Toxoplasma invasion of mammalian cells is powered by the actin cytoskeleton of the parasite

Article Abstract:

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic intracellular parasite that causes congenital infections and severe complications in a number of vertebrates. A member of a diverse group of obligate protozoan parasites, Toxoplasma invades host cells through a mechanism that relies upon the parasite's actin cytoskeleton for motility. This mechanism was demonstrated using a combination of parasite and host cell mutants characterized by their resistance to cytochalasin. Results indicate that invasion is actively powered by Toxoplasma's actin-based contractile system.

Physiological aspects, Actin, Pathogenic microorganisms, Cytoskeletal proteins

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Caspase-1 activation of lipid metabolic pathways in response to bacterial pore-forming toxins promotes cell survival

Article Abstract:

Toxin-induced membrane permeabilization leads to a decrease in cytoplasmic potassium, which promotes the formation of a multiprotein oligomeric innate immune complex, called the inflammasome, and the activation of caspase-1. It was found that when rendered proteolytic caspase-1 induces the activation of the central regulators of membrane biogenesis, the Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins (SREBPs), which in turn promote cell survival upon toxin challenge possibly by facilitating membrane reCair.

Lipid metabolism, Protein binding, Cells, Cell membranes, Cell permeability

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Toxoplasma: Guess who's coming to dinner

Article Abstract:

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, feeds on the host and it is evidenced that the parasite takes host cell endosomes and lysosomes hostage by sequestering them where the parasite resides within invaginations of the parasitophporous vacuole. This parasite can infect most warm-blooded animals and nucleated cells and is responsible for one of the most common parasitic infection in humans.

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