US researchers have developed a new model system for genetic studies of Apicomplexa parasites, a group which includes pathogens such as Babesia, Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma. 
Researchers are using Toxoplasma as a model to conduct studies on Apicomplexa parasites
Photo: Wikipedia
The parasites infect a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate species, and occupy an intracellular niche that allows them ready access to nutrients, but shelters them from their host's immune system. Developing drugs to treat them is problematic, as they share many of the same metabolic pathways as their hosts. Many drugs that might be used to kill the parasites are therefore also harmful to their hosts.
The researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how the parasites work at the cellular level, and in doing so uncover differences that can be exploited as targets for drugs and vaccines.
Apicomplexa parasites are complex and difficult to study. The use of traditional laboratory models, such as yeast or Escherichia coli, to study Apicomplexa has sometimes yielded mixed results as these models are poor matches for the parasites' biological processes. Researchers at the University of Georgia and Montana State University have developed a way to conduct studies directly in Apicomplexa parasites using Toxoplasma as a model. The study, published in the open-access journal PLoS Pathogens, could lead to a much better understanding of the parasites, and to the development of more effective treatments for the diseases they cause.
"Using this new approach, we have genetically dissected the way the parasite divides and multiplies within its host cell. Importantly, this approach should be broadly applicable, allowing unbiased genetic analysis of any part of parasite biology for which a screen can be devised using this model," said coauthor Boris Striepen.
"What we have done in the work published in the PLoS paper is open the door to the critical genes that these parasites must express in order to grow. These are the 'Achilles heels' of this pathogen family. Many of the genes are unique and could give us valuable leads on how we might stop parasite growth and prevent disease," added co-author Michael White.
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