Function of non-coding RNA in toxoplasma gondii infection

Abstract

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is an important human and veterinary pathogen. Asexual replication of T. gondii in humans and intermediate hosts is characterized by two forms: rapidly growing ‘tachyzoites’ and latent ‘bradyzoite’ tissue cysts. Tachyzoites are responsible for acute illness and congenital neurological birth defects, while bradyzoites can remain latent within the tissues for many years, representing a threat to immunocompromised patients. In this chapter I discuss the function of a T. gondii non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that has a major role in the critical transition from tachyzoites to bradyzoites. In addition, I discuss how T. gondii infection affects the expression of human and mouse microRNAS (miRNAs), in particular, the dysregulation of host miRNA-132 by T. gondii infection, and it’s implications for dopamine signaling and neuropathology.