Expressed sequence tag analysis of the bradyzoite stage of Toxoplasma gondii: identification of developmentally regulated genes.

摘要: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite responsible for widespread infections in humans and animals. Two major asexual forms are produced during the life cycle of this parasite: rapidly dividing tachyzoite more slowly dividing, encysted bradyzoite. To further study differentiation between these two forms, we have generated large number expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from both stages. Previously, obtained data on ∼7,400 ESTs tachyzoites (J. Ajioka et al., Genome Res. 8:18–28, 1998). Here, report results analysis ∼2,500 bradyzoites purified cysts infected mice. We also 760 parasites induced to differentiate vitro. Comparison sets reveals many previously uncharacterized clusters which largely or completely specific one other developmental stage. This class includes bradyzoite-specific form enolase. Combined with identified lactate dehydrogenase, finding suggests significant differences flux through lower end glycolytic pathway Thus, generation set provides valuable insights into metabolism growth represents substantial body information development Toxoplasma.