Molecular characterization of the conoid complex in < i > Toxoplasma < /i > reveals its conservation in all apicomplexans, including < i > Plasmodium < /i > species

We reporter-tagged and observed the expression and location of several conoid complex proteins in the malaria modelP.berghei and revealed equivalent structures in all of its zoite forms, as well as evidence of molecular differentiation between blood-stage merozoites and the ookinetes and sporozoites of the mosquito vector. Collectively, we show that the conoid is a conserved apicomplexan element at the heart of the invasion mechanisms of these highly successful and often devastating parasites.
Source: PLoS Biology: Archived Table of Contents - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: research