title: Cell division in apicomplexan parasites.
abstract: Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum are important human pathogens. These parasites and many of their apicomplexan relatives undergo a complex developmental process in the cells of their hosts, which includes genome replication, cell division and the assembly of new invasive stages. Apicomplexan cell cycle progression is both globally and locally regulated. Global regulation is carried out throughout the cytoplasm by diffusible factors that include cell cycle-specific kinases, cyclins and transcription factors. Local regulation acts on individual nuclei and daughter cells that are developing inside the mother cell. We propose that the centrosome is a master regulator that physically tethers cellular components and that provides spatial and temporal control of apicomplexan cell division.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
authors.forename: Maria E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Francia
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA. [2] Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Striepen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016782:Apicomplexa / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002455:Cell Division; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D018385:Centrosome / Q000378:metabolism*; D004261:DNA Replication; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000469:parasitology; D008954:Models, Biological; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000469:parasitology*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000469:parasitology
chemical_list: D015800:Protozoan Proteins