The essential kinase TgGSK regulates centrosome segregation and endodyogeny in <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>
While infection with the parasite <i>Toxplasma gondii</i> is largely asymptomatic in healthy adults, severe disease and death can result in immunocompromised individuals and in those infected congenitally. With minimal treatments for toxoplasmosis available, it is crucial to study parasite-specific processes to identify new drug targets. This study investigated the protein TgGSK, uncovering its essentiality for parasite proper division and survival. We performed an in-depth study of the functional role of this kinase. Importantly, TgGSK was shown to bear higher homology to plant proteins than its mammalian counterparts, which may allow for specific targeting of this protein.
Authors
- William J. Blakely (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5129-2117)
- Chunlin Yang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3854-8835)
- Sofía Horjales (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9771-5565)
- Gustavo Arrizabalaga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4445-0375)
- María E. Francia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9664-9573)
- Amanda Krueger
Institutions
- Jacobs (United States) (US)
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo (UY)
- Indiana University School of Medicine
- Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (US)
- Indiana University (US)
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- mSphere
- Published
- 2025-03-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1128/msphere.00111-25
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 4.10
Funders
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases