Advantages and disadvantages of conditional systems for characterization of essential genes in Toxoplasma gondii

Jimenez-Ruiz, E. , Wong, E. H., Pall, G. S. and Meissner, M. (2014) Advantages and disadvantages of conditional systems for characterization of essential genes in Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitology, 141(11), pp. 1390-1398. 24926834. (doi: 10.1017/S0031182014000559)

Abstract

The dissection of apicomplexan biology has been highly influenced by the genetic tools available for manipulation of parasite DNA. Here, we describe different techniques available for the generation of conditional mutants. Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the three most commonly used regulation systems: the tetracycline inducible system, the regulation of protein stability and site-specific recombination are discussed. Using some previously described examples we explore some of the pitfalls involved in gene-function analysis using these systems that can lead to wrong or over-interpretation of phenotypes. We will also mention different options to standardize the application of these techniques for the characterization of gene function in high-throughput.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jimenez Ruiz, Dr Elena and Meissner, Professor Markus and Wong, Dr Eleanor and Pall, Dr Gurman
• Authors: Jimenez-Ruiz, E., Wong, E. H., Pall, G. S., and Meissner, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Parasitology
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 0031-1820
• ISSN (Online): 1469-8161
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 Cambridge University Press
• First Published: First published in Parasitology 141(11):1390-1398
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
50160	1	Systematic analysis of essential parasite genes linked to invasion of the host cell in Toxoplasma gondii	Markus Meissner	Wellcome Trust (WELLCOME)	087582/Z/08/Z	III - PARASITOLOGY
37179	3	The Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology ( Core Support )	Andrew Waters	Wellcome Trust (WELLCOME)	073990/Z/03/B	III - PARASITOLOGY