Targeting Toxoplasma parasites and their protein accomplices
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and is transmitted via contaminated food or feces. The infection can cause a range of symptoms that may be mild or severe, resulting in blindness and brain infection. Current T. gondii therapeutics are not very effective, so scientists need to further investigate potential drug targets.
Sheena Dass and a team of researchers from the Université Grenoble Alpes, France, identified seven genes responsible for expressing enzymes of metabolic interest in these parasites. Their recent in the Journal of Lipid Research characterizes one of these enzymes, T. gondii acyl-CoA synthetase 3, or TgACS3.
TgACS3 was found to be localized in the cytosol of the parasite and to upregulate its parasitic growth while increasing its chances of survival within its host. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was implemented to analyze the lipid content in the parasite, which revealed the role of TgAC3 in the uptake and utilization of its host fatty acids, generating the parasite phospholipid layer, and maintaining the growth of new parasites.
This study is an important step towards achieving targeted therapeutic mechanisms in the treatment of Toxoplasmosis, as researchers can leverage the findings shared in a more rigorous analysis.
Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in Science
Science highlights or most popular articles
Cholesterol as a novel biomarker for Fragile X syndrome
Researchers in Quebec identified lower levels of a brain cholesterol metabolite, 24-hydroxycholesterol, in patients with fragile X syndrome, a finding that could provide a simple blood-based biomarker for understanding and managing the condition.
How lipid metabolism shapes sperm development
Researchers at Hokkaido University identify the enzyme behind a key lipid in sperm development. The findings reveal how seminolipids shape sperm formation and may inform future diagnostics and treatments for male infertility.
Mass spec method captures proteins in native membranes
Yale scientists developed a mass spec protocol that keeps proteins in their native environment, detects intact protein complexes and tracks drug binding, offering a clearer view of membrane biology.
Laser-assisted cryoEM method preserves protein structure
University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers devised a method that prevents protein compaction during cryoEM prep, restoring natural structure for mass spec studies. The approach could expand high-resolution imaging to more complex protein systems.
Method sharpens proteome-wide view of structural changes
Researchers developed a method that improves limited proteolysis coupled with mass spectrometry, separating true changes from abundance or splicing effects.
Discoveries made possible by DNA
The discovery of DNA’s double helix revealed how genetic information is stored, copied and expressed. Revisit that breakthrough and traces how it laid the foundation for modern molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology.