title: Apicomplexans pulling the strings: manipulation of the host cell cytoskeleton dynamics.
abstract: Invasive stages of apicomplexan parasites require a host cell to survive, proliferate and advance to the next life cycle stage. Once invasion is achieved, apicomplexans interact closely with the host cell cytoskeleton, but in many cases the different species have evolved distinct mechanisms and pathways to modulate the structural organization of cytoskeletal filaments. The host cell cytoskeleton is a complex network, largely, but not exclusively, composed of microtubules, actin microfilaments and intermediate filaments, all of which are modulated by associated proteins, and it is involved in diverse functions including maintenance of cell morphology and mechanical support, migration, signal transduction, nutrient uptake, membrane and organelle trafficking and cell division. The ability of apicomplexans to modulate the cytoskeleton to their own advantage is clearly beneficial. We here review different aspects of the interactions of apicomplexans with the three main cytoskeletal filament types, provide information on the currently known parasite effector proteins and respective host cell targets involved, and how these interactions modulate the host cell physiology. Some of these findings could provide novel targets that could be exploited for the development of preventive and/or therapeutic strategies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Parasitology,Vetsuisse Faculty,University of Berne,Länggass-Strasse 122,Bern 3012,Switzerland.
authors.forename: Rita
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-3187-0194
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cardoso
authors.affiliation: Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa,1990-096 Lisboa,Portugal.
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.affiliation: Institute of Parasitology,Vetsuisse Faculty,University of Berne,Länggass-Strasse 122,Bern 3012,Switzerland.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hemphill
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal,Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária,Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica,1300-477 Lisboa,Portugal.
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leitão
mesh_terms: D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D016782:Apicomplexa / Q000502:physiology*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015388:Organelles / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015398:Signal Transduction
keywords: Apicomplexa; actin; host–parasite interaction; intermediate filaments; microtubules