Role of translational repression in Toxoplasma gondii's life cycle

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Role of translational repression in Toxoplasma gondii's life cycle***Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite whose main hosts are rodents and cats, but it can also infect humans. It can affect its hosts' behavior and decision making, and causes toxoplasmosis. This parasitic infection is harmful to fetuses, and could be lethal to those with weak immune systems.******This research program focuses on seeking a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of T. gondii parasitism. More specifically, the research aims to identify molecular events critical to T. gondii's ability to establish an acute and latent infection by paying close attention to the interactions between mRNA and its interacting proteins in the formation of functional complexes necessary for protein synthesis. We hypothesize that translational repression in T. gondii plays a critical role in enabling it to establish infection and evade the host's protective responses. The research will develop and use novel and highly sensitive methods to monitor protein synthesis during different phases of the parasites in the human host cell. ******Our long-term objectives are to reveal the fundamental processes of the infection and pathogenesis, and to obtain mechanistic models that explain fundamental molecular processes of global and mRNA-specific translational repression in T. gondii. ***Short-term objectives: Using molecular/cell biology and biochemistry approaches, we will:***1. Determine the mechanism of translational repression occurring in T. gondii that allows it to complete its life cycle in human host cells. ***2. Evaluate the significance and function of an RNA-binding protein, named TgHoDI, in translational repression.***3. Assess the mechanism by which a specific set of mRNAs are repressed during the dormant phase of the parasite infection in human host cells.******Anticipated significance: The proposed research will advance our understanding of the parasite at the cellular and biochemical levels. The results will provide scientific information and knowledge necessary for developing better controls for T. gondii infection.**