A functionally divergent transcription elongation factor 1-like protein in Toxoplasma gondii

Deletion of splicing factor Cdc5 in Toxoplasma disrupts transcriptome integrity, induces abortive bradyzoite formation, and prevents acute infection in mice

Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite, has over 75% of its genes containing introns; however, the role of RNA splicing in regulating gene expression remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the pre-mRNA splicing factor Cdc5 is part of a large spliceosomal complex essential for maintaining the transcriptome integrity in Toxoplasma. TgCdc5 depletion results in splicing inhibition with widespread changes in gene expression affecting several parasite processes, including the lytic cycle, DNA replication and repair, and protein folding and degradation. Consequently, non-cystogenic RH TgCdc5-depleted parasites begin spontaneously differentiating from tachyzoites to slow-growing bradyzoites, evidenced by the differential expression of key developmental regulators; however, these early-stage bradyzoites are unable to survive, likely due to a deficiency in functional proteins necessary for their growth and maintenance. Furthermore, consistent with our in vitro findings, we demonstrate that TgCdc5 is essential for parasite survival in mice, as its depletion provides complete protection against acute infection. Interestingly, this attenuated growth mutant resulting from TgCdc5 depletion elicits a robust immune response that fully protects mice from future infections and offers partial protection during pregnancy. Overall, this study highlights the indispensable role of the splicing factor Cdc5 in preserving transcriptional homeostasis in the intron-rich genome of Toxoplasma.

Neospora caninum in pigs and pig farmers in India: Examining the prevalence, immunodominant antigens and associated risk factors

Neospora caninum, a protozoan parasite, is a major cause of reproductive failure in cattle and affects reproductive efficiency in pigs worldwide. Due to the limited data on N. caninum infection in pigs and humans in India, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of N. caninum in slaughtered pigs and among pig farmers, as well as to identify the factors that contribute to the infection. Additionally, we determined the major antigens that trigger antibody development in seropositive subjects. A total of 403 slaughtered pigs and 103 pig farmers were screened for N. caninum antibodies and parasite DNA. Thirty-five pigs (8.7 %) tested positive for antibodies, with titers ranging from 50 to 3200, as determined by NAT, ELISA, and IFAT; however, none of the pig farmers tested positive for N. caninum. All seropositive pigs had specific antibodies against N. caninum, which resulted in reduced invasion of host cells by the parasites and recognized multiple native and recombinant proteins (SAG1, GRA7, and MAG1) found in both the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages. Also, seven pigs showed low IgG avidity, and 3 seropositive pigs tested positive for the NC-5 gene PCR, indicating a recently acquired infection in 0.7-1.7 % of the population. A comparison of NC5 sequence analysis of three positive samples revealed approximately 85 % similarity and was closely related to pig isolates from China. Additionally, we found older animals (>1 year), dogs and rodents in the farms, and outdoor access significantly contribute to N. caninum seropositivity in pigs. Overall, this study demonstrates the low occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in pigs with a robust immune response against asexual stage antigens, highlighting their potential for diagnosis.

The role of Toxoplasma TFIIS-like protein in the early stages of mRNA transcription

BACKGROUND

The mRNA transcription is a multistep process involving distinct sets of proteins associated with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) through various stages. Recent studies have highlighted the role of RNAPII-associated proteins in facilitating the assembly of functional complexes in a crowded nuclear milieu. RNAPII dynamics and gene expression regulation have been primarily studied in model eukaryotes like yeasts and mammals and remain largely unchartered in protozoan parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, where considerable gene expression changes accompany stage differentiations. Here we report a key modulator of RNAPII activity, TFIIS in Toxoplasma gondii (TgTFIIS).

METHODS

A Pull-down assay demonstrated that TgTFIIS binds to RNAPII subunit TgRPB1. Truncation mutants of TFIIS help us define the regions critical for its binding to TgRPB1. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed the interaction between the native TgTFIIS and TgRPB1. Confocal microscopy revealed a predominantly nuclear localization. Native TgTFIIS was able to bind promoter DNA which was consistent with the CHIP results.

RESULTS

TgTFIIS complements initiation defects in yeast mutants, and the regions implicated in RNAPII binding appeared essential for this function. Interestingly, the C-terminal zinc finger domain necessary for its potential elongation function is dispensable for TgRPB1 binding. TgTFIIS was found to be associated with the promoter region along with its association with the ORF on an RNAPII transcribed gene.

CONCLUSION

The observations were in line with the potential role of TgTFIIS in early events of RNAPII transcription in addition to elongation.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The study elucidates the potential role of RNAPII-associated proteins in multiple steps of transcription.