Functional analysis of the Toxoplasma Myosin driving tissue dissemination and host cell invasion

弓形虫是引起弓形虫病的单细胞寄生虫，是眼病、先天性出生缺陷和免疫功能低下个体疾病的重要基础。为了使感染永久化，弓形虫通过一种被称为“滑体”的分子马达穿过组织并侵入宿主细胞。我们将揭示滑翔体如何产生运动所需的力，并描述其关键特征。我们的工作将为设计治疗弓形虫病的新药提供一个基础。

The single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of Toxoplasmosis and is an important basis of eye disease, congenital birth defects and illness in immunocompromised individuals. To perpetuate infection T. gondii moves through tissue and invades host cells using a molecular motor, termed the 'glideosome'. We will reveal how the glideosome produces the force required for movement and characterise its critical features. Our work will provide a foundation in which to model novel drugs that could be designed to treat Toxoplasmosis.