Quintana, J. F. , Zoltner, M. and Field, M. C. (2021) Evolving differentiation in African trypanosomes. Trends in Parasitology, 37(4), pp. 296-303. (doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.11.003) (PMID:33309505)
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Abstract
Differentiation is a central aspect of the parasite life cycle and encompasses adaptation to both host and environment. If we accept that evolution cannot anticipate an organism’s needs as it enters a new environment, how do parasite differentiation pathways arise? The transition between vertebrate and insect stage African trypanosomes is probably one of the better studied and involves a cell-cycle arrested or ‘stumpy’ form that activates metabolic pathways advantageous to the parasite in the insect host. However, a range of stimuli and stress conditions can trigger similar changes, leading to formation of stumpy-like cellular states. We propose that the origin and optimisation of this differentiation program represents repurposing of a generic stress response to gain considerable gain-of-fitness associated with parasite transmission.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Additional Information: | Work in our laboratory is supported by the Wellcome Trust (204697/Z/16/Z to M.C.F.). J.Q.F. is supported by a Wellcome Trust award (209511/Z/17/Z to Annette MacLeod). |
Keywords: | Trypanosoma brucei, adaptive mechanisms, environmental sensing, evolution of differentiation, life history theory. |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Quintana, Dr Juan |
Authors: | Quintana, J. F., Zoltner, M., and Field, M. C. |
College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
Journal Name: | Trends in Parasitology |
Publisher: | Elsevier (Cell Press) |
ISSN: | 1471-4922 |
ISSN (Online): | 1471-5007 |
Published Online: | 11 December 2020 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2020 The Authors |
First Published: | First published in Trends in Parasitology 37(4): 296-303 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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