A Theileria annulata DNA binding protein localized to the host cell nucleus alters the phenotype of a bovine macrophage cell line

Shiels, B.R., McKellar, S., Katzer, F., Lyons, K., Kinnaird, J., Ward, C., Wastling, J.M. and Swan, D. (2004) A Theileria annulata DNA binding protein localized to the host cell nucleus alters the phenotype of a bovine macrophage cell line. Eukaryotic Cell, 3(2), pp. 495-505. (doi: 10.1128/EC.3.2.495-505.2004) (PMID:15075278) (PMCID:PMC387639)

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Abstract

The apicomplexan parasite Theileria annulata is the only intracellular eukaryote that is known to induce the proliferation of mammalian cells. However, as the parasite undergoes stage differentiation, host cell proliferation is inhibited, and the leukocyte is eventually destroyed. We have isolated a parasite gene (SuAT1) encoding an AT hook DNA binding polypeptide that has a predicted signal peptide, PEST motifs, nuclear localization signals, and domains which indicate interaction with regulatory components of the higher eukaryotic cell cycle. The polypeptide is localized to the nuclei of macroschizont-infected cells and was detected at significant levels in cells that were undergoing parasite stage differentiation. Transfection of an uninfected transformed bovine macrophage cell line, BoMac, demonstrated that SuAT1 can modulate cellular morphology and alter the expression pattern of a cytoskeletal polypeptide in a manner similar to that found during the infection of leukocytes by the parasite. Our findings indicate that Theileria parasite molecules that are transported to the leukocyte nucleus have the potential to modulate the phenotype of infected cells.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Shiels, Professor Brian and Ward, Dr Christopher and Kinnaird, Dr Jane
Authors: Shiels, B.R., McKellar, S., Katzer, F., Lyons, K., Kinnaird, J., Ward, C., Wastling, J.M., and Swan, D.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Eukaryotic Cell
ISSN:1535-9778
ISSN (Online):1535-9786

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
261721The Role of Theileria Annulata DNA Binding Polypeptides in Modulation of Bovine Gene Expression and Host Cell ProliferationBrian ShielsWellcome Trust (WELLCOTR)058933III - PARASITOLOGY