Cytoskeletal dynamics in parasites

Simone Reber; Mirko Singer; Friedrich Frischknecht

doi:10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102277

Cytoskeletal dynamics in parasites

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2024 Feb:86:102277. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102277. Epub 2023 Dec 3.

Authors

Simone Reber¹, Mirko Singer², Friedrich Frischknecht³

Affiliations

¹ Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; University of Applied Sciences Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
² Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical Faculty, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. Electronic address: mirko.singer@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
³ Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical Faculty, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

PMID: 38048658
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102277

Abstract

Cytoskeletal dynamics are essential for cellular homeostasis and development for both metazoans and protozoans. The function of cytoskeletal elements in protozoans can diverge from that of metazoan cells, with microtubules being more stable and actin filaments being more dynamic. This is particularly striking in protozoan parasites that evolved to enter metazoan cells. Here, we review recent progress towards understanding cytoskeletal dynamics in protozoan parasites, with a focus on divergent properties compared to classic model organisms.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Actin Cytoskeleton
Actins
Animals
Cytoskeleton
Microtubules
Parasites*

Substances

Actins