title: Regulation of apicomplexan actin-based motility.
abstract: Apicomplexan parasites are an ancient group of protozoan parasites that includes several significant pathogens of humans and animals. To target and invade host cells they use a unique form of actin-based motility, called gliding motility. At the centre of the molecular motor that underlies this unique mode of locomotion are short, highly dynamic actin filaments. Recent molecular work, along with the availability of completed genomes for several Apicomplexa, has highlighted unique features of parasite actin and its regulation - features that might provide new ways to block motility and, consequently, prevent infection and disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infection and Immunity, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
authors.forename: Jake
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baum
authors.forename: Anthony T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Papenfuss
authors.forename: Buzz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Baum
authors.forename: Terence P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Speed
authors.forename: Alan F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Cowman
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D016782:Apicomplexa / Q000502:physiology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D017125:Genes, Protozoan; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; D015800:Protozoan Proteins