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Translation initiation factor eIF1.2 promotes *Toxoplasma* stage conversion by regulating levels of key differentiation factors

Biology

Translation initiation factor eIF1.2 promotes *Toxoplasma* stage conversion by regulating levels of key differentiation factors

F. Wang, M. J. Holmes, et al.

Discover how eIF1.2, a translation initiation factor, plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of *Toxoplasma gondii*. This groundbreaking study reveals that mutations in eIF1.2 critically inhibit the formation of bradyzoite cysts, offering new insights into chronic toxoplasmosis and highlighting the translation regulation of crucial differentiation factors BFD1 and BFD2. This innovative research was conducted by Fengrong Wang, Michael J. Holmes, Hea Jin Hong, Pariyamon Thaprawat, Geetha Kannan, My-Hang Huynh, Tracey L. Schultz, M. Haley Licon, Sebastian Lourido, Wenzhao Dong, Jailson Brito Querido, William J. Sullivan Jr., Seán E. O'Leary, and Vern B. Carruthers.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study identifies translation initiation factor eIF1.2 as crucial for *Toxoplasma gondii* differentiation. Mutations in eIF1.2 significantly impede bradyzoite cyst formation in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling reveal that eIF1.2 regulates the translation of key differentiation factors BFD1 and BFD2. Forced expression of BFD1 or BFD2 rescues differentiation in eIF1.2-deficient parasites, suggesting eIF1.2's role in regulating translation of factors necessary for chronic toxoplasmosis.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
May 23, 2024
Authors
Fengrong Wang, Michael J. Holmes, Hea Jin Hong, Pariyamon Thaprawat, Geetha Kannan, My-Hang Huynh, Tracey L. Schultz, M. Haley Licon, Sebastian Lourido, Wenzhao Dong, Jailson Brito Querido, William J. Sullivan Jr., Seán E. O'Leary, Vern B. Carruthers
Tags
Toxoplasma gondii
eIF1.2
differentiation
bradyzoite cysts
BFD1
BFD2
chronic toxoplasmosis
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