1505-Architect of Apicomplexan Redox&Metabolic Adaptation

1 source·Aug 16, 2026Research published in the journal Cell identifies TgPRO as a critical RNA-binding protein that enables the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to survive high-density environments. By conducting genome-wide CRISPR screens, scientists discovered that crowded conditions increase the demand for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and specific metabolic adaptations. TgPRO functions as a novel regulator by directly binding and stabilizing transcripts involved in carbon metabolism and iron-sulfur cluster assembly, representing a unique case of convergent evolution. Parasites lacking this protein suffer from mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, and reduced fitness during chronic infection stages. Ultimately, the study reveals that TgPRO manages redox homeostasis and nutrient scarcity, serving as the first known dedicated regulator of metabolic gene expression in apicomplexans.References:Giuliano C J, Kalluraya C A, Kloehn J, et al. Convergent evolution of metabolic regulation governs redox adaptation in Toxoplasma[J]. Cell, 2026.前往小宇宙评论区与主播互动