Modifications found in the Anticodon Stem Loop (ASL) of tRNAs play important roles in regulating translational speed and accuracy. Threonylcarbamoyl adenosine (tA37) and 5-methoxycarbonyl methyl-2-thiouridine (mcmsU34) are critical ASL modifications that have been linked to several human diseases. The model yeast is viable despite the absence of both modifications, growth is however greatly impaired.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFtRNAs are the central adaptor molecules in translation. Their decoding properties are influenced by post-transcriptional modifications, particularly in the critical anticodon-stem-loop (ASL) region. Synonymous codon choice, also called codon usage bias, affects both translation efficiency and accuracy, and ASL modifications play key roles in both of these processes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFApicomplexan parasites have unconventional actins that play a central role in important cellular processes such as apicoplast replication, motility of dense granules, endocytic trafficking and force generation for motility and host cell invasion. In this study, we investigated the actin of the apicomplexan Neospora caninum - a parasite associated with infectious abortion and neonatal mortality in livestock. Neospora caninum actin was detected and identified in two bands by one-dimensional (1D) western blot and in nine spots by the 2D technique.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNeospora caninum is a parasite of the Apicomplexa phylum responsible for abortion and losses of fertility in cattle. As part of its intracellular cycle, the first interaction of the parasite with the target cell is performed with the surface proteins known as the SRS superfamily (Surface Antigen Glycoprotein - Related Sequences). SAG related or SRS proteins have been a target of intense research due to its immunodominant pattern, exhibiting potential as diagnostic and/or vaccine candidates.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum causes neosporosis, a disease that leads to abortion or stillbirth in cattle, generating an economic impact on the dairy and beef cattle trade. As an obligatory intracellular parasite, N. caninum needs to invade the host cell in an active manner to survive.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF