Understanding the Moving Junction in Toxoplasma gondii Invasion
Author Information
Author(s): Besteiro Sébastien, Michelin Adeline, Poncet Joël, Dubremetz Jean-François, Lebrun Maryse
Primary Institution: UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier 2, Montpelier, France
Hypothesis
How do the proteins RON2, RON4, RON5, and RON8 interact at the moving junction during Toxoplasma gondii invasion?
Conclusion
The study identifies RON8 as a new component of the moving junction complex and shows that RON proteins are targeted to the host cell membrane during invasion.
Supporting Evidence
- RON8 was identified as a new member of the moving junction complex.
- All RON proteins are present at the moving junction during invasion.
- RON4, RON5, and RON8 are associated with the cytoplasmic face of the host cell membrane.
Takeaway
Toxoplasma gondii uses a special structure called the moving junction to invade host cells, and this study found a new protein that helps make this structure work.
Methodology
The study used biochemical approaches, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence to analyze the interactions and localization of RON proteins during invasion.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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