PLOS BiologyAug 15, 2024
Secretion of #rhoptry factors is essential for invasion by #Apicomplexan #parasites. @RouaaBc @gaelle_lentini @SoldatiLabToxo &co identify #Toxoplasma RDF3 as crucial for invasion, priming microtubule-associated vesicles for rhoptry discharge #PLOSBiology https://plos.io/3Z4bbNx
Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry discharge factor 3 is essential for invasion and microtubule-associated vesicle biogenesis

Regulated secretion of rhoptry factors is essential for host cell invasion by Apicomplexan parasites. This study identifies the protein rhoptry discharge factor 3 (RDF3) of Toxoplasma gondii as crucial for invasion, by priming microtubule-associated vesicles for rhoptry discharge.

CellBioNewsJul 13, 2024

Advanced imaging reveals how a #parasitic 'kiss' alters #cell #metabolism.

#Toxoplasma #optical_metabolic_imaging #apicomplexan

https://phys.org/news/2024-07-advanced-imaging-reveals-parasitic-cell.html

Advanced imaging reveals how a parasitic 'kiss' alters cell metabolism

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, a lifelong chronic infection prevalent in about 30% of the human population. It poses little harm to healthy individuals, but can result in severe consequences for immunocompromised people. If infection occurs during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and cause retinal or neurological issues in the developing fetus, and potentially death in severe cases.

Phys.org
CellBioNewsOct 31, 2023

#CLAMP complex helps #parasites enter human #cells.

#Apicomplexan #micronemes #Toxoplasma

https://phys.org/news/2023-10-clamp-complex-parasites-human-cells.html

CLAMP complex helps parasites enter human cells

Apicomplexan parasites are a group of single-celled organisms responsible for several serious and prevalent diseases, from malaria, to a severe childhood diarrhea (cryptosporidiosis), to toxoplasmosis—a disease that endangers pregnant women and fetuses, and is the reason pregnant women are told to avoid changing cat litter.

Phys.org
The EMBO JournalOct 27, 2023

A conserved complex of microneme proteins mediates rhoptry discharge in #Toxoplasma:

Sebastian Lourido and coworkers show that three #apicomplexan-specific #microneme proteins form a complex essential for #rhoptry discharge and invasion

https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.15252/embj.2022113155

PLOS BiologyMay 23, 2023
Study shows that a small-molecule inhibitor of #Toxoplasma #myosin A reduces #parasite motility & alters disease progression in vivo, suggesting a new approach to treating infections by #apicomplexan parasites #PLOSBiology https://plos.io/42ySrUG
MyosinA is a druggable target in the widespread protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread apicomplexan parasite that can cause severe disease in its human hosts. This study shows that a small-molecule inhibitor of Toxoplasma myosin A reduces parasite motility and alters disease progression in vivo, suggesting a new approach to treating infections by apicomplexan parasites.

PLOS BiologyJan 6, 2023
Toxo invasion. @MirkoSinger @MeissnerLab &co identify a protein complex containing a CRMPA/CRMPB heterodimer with multiple transmembrane domains as being essential for host cell invasion by the #apicomplexan #parasite #Toxoplasma gondii #PLOSBiology https://plos.io/3vJePMM
A central CRMP complex essential for invasion in Toxoplasma gondii

This study identifies a novel protein complex containing a central CRMPA/CRMPB heterodimer with multiple transmembrane domains as being essential for host cell invasion by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

PLOS BiologyJan 6, 2023
Toxo invasion. @MirkoSinger @MeissnerLab &co identify a protein complex containing a CRMPA/CRMPB heterodimer with multiple transmembrane domains as being essential for host cell invasion by the #apicomplexan #parasite #Toxoplasma gondii #PLOSBiology https://plos.io/3vJePMM
A central CRMP complex essential for invasion in Toxoplasma gondii

This study identifies a novel protein complex containing a central CRMPA/CRMPB heterodimer with multiple transmembrane domains as being essential for host cell invasion by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

PLOS BiologyJan 6, 2023
Toxo invasion. @MirkoSinger @MeissnerLab &co identify a protein complex containing a CRMPA/CRMPB heterodimer with multiple transmembrane domains as being essential for host cell invasion by the #apicomplexan #parasite #Toxoplasma gondii #PLOSBiology https://plos.io/3vJePMM
A central CRMP complex essential for invasion in Toxoplasma gondii

This study identifies a novel protein complex containing a central CRMPA/CRMPB heterodimer with multiple transmembrane domains as being essential for host cell invasion by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Trends in ParasitologyNov 10, 2022
Our 2022 December issue https://bit.ly/2N9R8Es reviews ecoevolutionary consequences of #antimalarials in #mosquitoes, #apicomplexan mitochondrial respiratory chain, #trypanosomatid mitoribosomal biogenesis, omics discovery of #fasciolosis vaccine, #schistosome purinergic halo, parasite #avirulence factors, & more! Cover article on #diverse #leadership in STEMM. TrendsTalks on key conferences #ICOPA2022, #HydraHelminths, #TTP10, & #CJM4. Parasite of the Month on #Dicrocoelium #dendriticum.
Bish MarzookNov 6, 2022

Earnest #introduction incoming!

I'm a #parasitologist (previously: #virologist) working in London on the #apicomplexan #parasite #Cryptosporidium. I do cell biology, make #organoids, and think a lot about host-pathogen interactions, as well as the evolution thereof!

I care about a lot of things. Occasionally I do #standup #comedy about them in exchange for free drinks and self-esteem.

Learning to balance silliness w science will be the death of me/my career. Let's see which one happens first!