Toxoplasma gondii grows in the cell within a unique parasite-modified compartment, the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). The PV is separated from the host cytoplasm by the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM). A morphologically distinctive feature of the PVM is its intimate association with host mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). PVM-mitochondrial association is mediated by the rhoptry derived, PVM-localizing proteins of the ROP2 family. The intimate association of mitochondria and the PVM suggests an important function in parasite biology. Recent evidence indicates that T. gondli infected cells are profoundly resistant to apoptosis. Mitochondria play a central role in the transmission and execution of apoptotic stimuli.
The aim of this proposal is to identify the molecular basis of the blockade of host apoptosis by T. gondii. Given the importance of mitochondria in apoptosis, the role of PVM-mitochondrial association in the block of apoptosis will be examined. Apoptotic signals are transmitted and executed by a family of cysteine proteases called caspases. The effect of T. gondii infection on caspase activation and activity will be examined using biochemical approaches. Finally, the parasite mediator(s) of the blockade of host apoptosis will be identified using a combination of genomic, biochemical and genetic approaches. The genetic approach employs a novel screen to identify and isolate T. gondii mutants based on their inability to protect the infected cell from apoptotic stimuli. Identifying the molecular basis of the T. gondii mediated blockade of apoptosis will reveal novel insights into the manipulation of host functions by this fascinating parasite.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI049367-04
Application #
6700286
Study Section
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section (TMP)
Program Officer
Wali, Tonu M
Project Start
2001-03-01
Project End
2006-02-28
Budget Start
2004-03-01
Budget End
2006-02-28
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$253,400
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Kentucky
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
939017877
City
Lexington
State
KY
Country
United States
Zip Code
40506
Sinai, Anthony P; Watts, Elizabeth A; Dhara, Animesh et al. (2016) Reexamining Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection: Surprising Activity for a ""Dormant"" Parasite. Curr Clin Microbiol Rep 3:175-185
Gaviria, David; Paguio, Michelle F; Turnbull, Lindsey B et al. (2013) A process similar to autophagy is associated with cytocidal chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS One 8:e79059
Sinai, Anthony P; Roepe, Paul D (2012) Autophagy in Apicomplexa: a life sustaining death mechanism? Trends Parasitol 28:358-64
Ghosh, Debasish; Walton, Julia L; Roepe, Paul D et al. (2012) Autophagy is a cell death mechanism in Toxoplasma gondii. Cell Microbiol 14:589-607
Carmen, John C; Southard, R Chase; Sinai, Anthony P (2008) The complexity of signaling in host-pathogen interactions revealed by the Toxoplasma gondii-dependent modulation of JNK phosphorylation. Exp Cell Res 314:3724-36
El-Guendy, Nadia; Sinai, Anthony P (2008) Potential problems inherent in cell-based stable NF-kappaB-GFP reporter systems. Mol Cell Biochem 312:147-55
Molestina, Robert E; El-Guendy, Nadia; Sinai, Anthony P (2008) Infection with Toxoplasma gondii results in dysregulation of the host cell cycle. Cell Microbiol 10:1153-65
Carmen, John C; Sinai, Anthony P (2007) Suicide prevention: disruption of apoptotic pathways by protozoan parasites. Mol Microbiol 64:904-16
Herman, Rebecca K; Molestina, Robert E; Sinai, Anthony P et al. (2007) The apicomplexan pathogen Neospora caninum inhibits host cell apoptosis in the absence of discernible NF-kappa B activation. Infect Immun 75:4255-62
Petersen, Christine A; Krumholz, Katherine A; Carmen, John et al. (2006) Trypanosoma cruzi infection and nuclear factor kappa B activation prevent apoptosis in cardiac cells. Infect Immun 74:1580-7

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