Molecular Genetic Manipulation of Sarcocystis neurona.
Abstract: Sarcocystis neurona is a member of the important phylum Apicomplexa and the primary cause of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Moreover, S. neurona is the best-studied species in the genus Sarcocystis, one of the most successful parasite taxa, as virtually all vertebrate animals may be infected by at least one species. Consequently, scientific investigation of S. neurona will aid in the control of EPM and neurologic disease in sea mammals, while also improving our understanding of a prominent branch on the apicomplexan phylogenetic tree. These protocols describe methods that expand the capabilities to study this prominent member of the Apicomplexa. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Publication Date: 2018-02-22 PubMed ID: 29512112DOI: 10.1002/cpmc.48Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- Non-P.H.S.
Summary
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This research article focuses on the genetic manipulation of Sarcocystis neurona, a parasite causing neurologic diseases in animals such as horses and sea mammals, with implications for better understanding its biological processes and potentially controlling associated diseases.
Background and Significance
- Sarcocystis neurona is a parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, known to cause equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), a neurologic disease affecting horses.
- The parasite also causes neurologic diseases in sea mammals.
- Part of the genus Sarcocystis, S. neurona is one of a highly successful group of parasites that can infect almost all vertebrate animals, making it an area of great scientific investigation.
- Understanding and controlling this parasite can offer insights into preventing EPM and associated diseases in sea mammals, while also providing a deeper understanding of the Apicomplexa phylum.
Research Focus and Methods
- This research deals with the molecular genetic manipulation of S. neurona, aiming to gain a better understanding of its biology and ways to control it.
- The researchers designed protocols and methods to widen the capabilities for studying S. neurona and its impacts on the host organisms.
Implication of Research
- The development of these research protocols can advance the scientific exploration of S. neurona, furthering our understanding of this successful group of parasites.
- This research has potential benefits for veterinary medicine, particularly in controlling diseases like EPM in horses and neurological diseases in sea mammals.
- Moreover, these protocols can provide insights into the biology of the Apicomplexa phylum, a significant branch of the parasite tree of life.
Cite This Article
APA
Howe DK, Yeargan M, Simpson L, Dangoudoubiyam S.
(2018).
Molecular Genetic Manipulation of Sarcocystis neurona.
Curr Protoc Microbiol, 48, 20D.2.1-20D.2.14.
https://doi.org/10.1002/cpmc.48 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- CRISPR-Cas Systems
- Encephalomyelitis / parasitology
- Encephalomyelitis / veterinary
- Genetic Techniques
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horses
- Sarcocystis / genetics
- Sarcocystis / physiology
- Transfection / methods
References
This article includes 25 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Hunt AG, Howe DK, Brown A, Yeargan M. Transcriptional dynamics in the protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona and mammalian host cells after treatment with a specific inhibitor of apicomplexan mRNA polyadenylation. PLoS One 2021;16(10):e0259109.
- Gubbels MJ, Keroack CD, Dangoudoubiyam S, Worliczek HL, Paul AS, Bauwens C, Elsworth B, Engelberg K, Howe DK, Coppens I, Duraisingh MT. Fussing About Fission: Defining Variety Among Mainstream and Exotic Apicomplexan Cell Division Modes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020;10:269.
- Engelberg K, Bauwens C, Ferguson DJP, Gubbels M-J. Co-dependent formation of the Toxoplasma gondii subpellicular microtubules and inner membrane skeleton. mBio 2025 Sep 10;16(9):e0138925.
- Engelberg K, Bauwens C, Ferguson DJP, Gubbels MJ. Co-dependent formation of the Toxoplasma gondii sub-pellicular microtubules and inner membrane skeleton. bioRxiv 2024 May 25;.
- Dangoudoubiyam S, Norris JK, Namasivayam S, de Paula Baptista R, Cannes do Nascimento N, Camp J, Schardl CL, Kissinger JC, Howe DK. Temporal gene expression during asexual development of the apicomplexan Sarcocystis neurona. mSphere 2024 Jun 25;9(6):e0011124.
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