Molecular and biochemical parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of the efficacy of Perillyl alcohol in the treatment of Eimeria tenella infection","authors":"Qingyang Song ,&nbsp;Yihao Yu ,&nbsp;Shujing Wang ,&nbsp;Hongmei Li ,&nbsp;Xiaomin Zhao ,&nbsp;Ningning Zhao ,&nbsp;Xiao Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111690","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111690","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recently, there has been an increased focus on the development of novel anti-parasitic drugs that exhibit both highly efficacy and low toxicity due to growing concerns associated with the widespread use of such drugs. Natural products have garnered significant interest owing to their diverse biological activities and minimal adverse effects. In this study, we assessed the anti-<em>Eimeria tenella</em> activity of four plant compounds belonging to the Lamiaceae family, namely Perillyl alcohol, Carvone, Menthone and Perilla aldehyde. Our <em>in vitro</em> experiments demonstrated that all four compounds, particularly Perillyl alcohol, exhibited potent inhibition against sporulation formation of <em>E. tenella</em> oocyst. Furthermore, our in vivo tests revealed that treatment with these four compounds at a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly reduced oocyst shedding as well as cecal lesions and weight loss caused by <em>E. tenella</em> infection, thereby demonstrating moderate anti-<em>E. tenella</em> activity. Notably, Perillyl alcohol displayed the highest efficacy against <em>E. tenella</em> with an anticoccidial index (ACI) value of 161.4. In summary, our findings indicate that these four compounds derived from the Lamiaceae family exhibit anti-<em>E. tenella</em> activity both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>, with Perillyl alcohol displaying particularly robust inhibitory effects on <em>E. tenella</em>. It is worthy of further investigation to explore its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 111690"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144757144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular detection and population genetic diversity analysis of Theileria ovis in partial regions of Xinjiang, China","authors":"Na Zhou ,&nbsp;Meiling Wang ,&nbsp;Xueqing Zhao ,&nbsp;Abudukadier Mijiti ,&nbsp;Wenying Dang ,&nbsp;Licui Wen ,&nbsp;Wenyu Shi ,&nbsp;Lu Gan ,&nbsp;Caishan Li ,&nbsp;Bayinchahan Gailike","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111689","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111689","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ovine theileriosis is a disease caused by the genus <em>Theileria</em> (e.g., <em>T. ovis, T. lestoquardi</em>), preventing the sheep farming industry from developing, particularly in regions reliant on sheep for milk, meat, and associated economic benefits. However, there is limited information available on the epidemiological data and genetic diversity of <em>T. ovis</em> in Xinjiang. This study was conducted in May 2024 to investigate the molecular prevalence of <em>T. ovis</em> in sheep from five counties (Shaya, Wensu, Aketao, Keping, Awati) in Xinjiang. A total of 357 blood samples were screened for the presence of <em>Theileria</em> DNA through the amplification of the <em>18S rRNA</em> gene using PCR, the genetic diversity among the chosen <em>T. ovis</em> sequences from geographical regions (including sequences in this study) was subsequently analyzed. BLAST analysis confirmed that the detected <em>Theileria</em> pathogen was <em>T. ovis</em>. Statistical results showed that the infection rate of <em>T. ovis</em> in sheep was 44.5 % (159/357). The highest infection rate was observed in Awati County, while the lowest was recorded in Shaya County. The prevalence exhibited significant variation among the sampling sites (χ² = 115.3, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). To characterize the phylogenetic relationships within the detected <em>Theileria</em> populations, the sequenced <em>T. ovis</em> isolates were analyzed and found to be 96.6–99.8 % similar, showing a high degree of similarity to isolates from Turkey. Haplotype analysis further demonstrated that H1 constitutes the core haplotype (including sequences from Turkey, Iraq and Saudi Arabia), surrounded by derivative haplotype. To further investigate these haplotype distributions, population structure analysis revealed distinct genetic diversity patterns among groups, showing that genetic groups G1 and G4 had high haplotype diversity (Hd) but low nucleotide diversity (Pi), whereas G2 and G3 had low Hd and high Pi. In addition, Tajima's D＜0 in all four <em>T. ovis</em> populations. These biological and genetic indices suggest that these populations are possibly undergoing expansion. Our results suggest that the protozoan parasitizing local sheep is <em>T. ovis</em>. Moreover, the local population of <em>T. ovis</em> is as rich in genetic diversity and population expansion as other populations in different geographical locations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 111689"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144634423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization and immunogenicity analysis of glutathi- one S-transferase from Otodectes cynotis","authors":"Hongbo Wang,&nbsp;Meilin Tan,&nbsp;Yinbo Gui,&nbsp;Xiaofang Wu,&nbsp;Maochuan Guo,&nbsp;Ran He","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Otodectes cynotis</em> (ear mite), the primary etiological agent of feline otitis externa, represents a significant veterinary concern due to its high prevalence and treatment challenges. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), a detoxifying and immunogenic enzyme in various parasites, is a potential molecular target for vaccine development. In this study, we cloned and heterologously expressed the GST gene from <em>O. cynotis</em>, confirmed its recombinant protein activity using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) as a substrate, and determined its optimal enzymatic conditions (pH 8, 30 °C). Bioinformatic analysis revealed high sequence conservation with arthropod homologs, predicted functional domains, and identified several immunogenic B- and T-cell epitopes. Molecular docking with ethacrynic acid indicated stable binding, suggesting GST as a potential drug target. This study presents the first functional and immunogenic characterization of <em>O. cynotis</em> GST, suggesting its critical role in oxidative stress mitigation and drug detoxification, and supporting its potential as an anti-mite vaccine candidate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 111688"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144567547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification and initial characterisation of Trypanosoma Cox17 copper metallochaperone","authors":"Murtala Bindawa Isah,&nbsp;Mwenya Chitembusha Kwangu,&nbsp;J.P. Dean Goldring,&nbsp;Theresa H.T. Coetzer","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111687","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111687","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Copper plays an essential role in organisms as a catalytic co-factor for key enzymes like cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase. Copper importation, distribution and secretion is carried out by copper transport and copper-binding proteins known as copper chaperones. Cox17 is a chaperone that conveys copper to Cox11 and Sco1 for metalation of the Cu_B and Cu_A of Cox1 and Cox2 respectively in eukaryotes. Cox17 from <em>Trypanosoma brucei brucei</em> and <em>T. congolense</em> were recombinantly expressed and affinity purified as MBP-fusion proteins. An ascorbic acid oxidation assay, a BCA-release assay and an <em>in vivo</em> growth inhibition assay confirmed the presence of copper bound to the proteins. Trypanosomal Cox17 and other copper-binding proteins are expressed at higher levels in the insect procyclic stage where cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase is active, compared to the bovine bloodstream forms. <em>In silico</em> docking models suggests possible interaction partners for Cox17.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 111687"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144336747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in Schistosoma: Relation to praziquantel action and resistance","authors":"Iman F. Abou-El-Naga","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111686","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111686","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) performs diverse essential functions through integrating a range of calcium signals. In <em>Schistosoma</em>, two Calmodulin (CaM) genes are characterized. CaMKII exhibits distinct expression patterns across the developmental stages of the parasite. Its significance lies in sustaining <em>Schistosoma</em> survival and maintaining calcium homeostasis. As it is a calcium sensing protein, its function is closely related to the efficacy of praziquantel, the mainstay drug against schistosomiasis. The relationship between CaMKII and praziquantel involves several potential factors. Praziquantel induces an increased calcium influx into <em>Schistosoma</em> that binds CaM and activates CaMKII, which in turn mitigates the effect of the drug and potentially contributes to praziquantel resistance in several ways. By maintaining calcium homeostasis, CaMKII opposes the surge in calcium influx induced by praziquantel. It modulates voltage-gated calcium channels and reduces calcium influx. It also inhibits ryanodine receptors and inositol triphosphate receptors, thus preventing the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum. CaMKII activates nuclear factor-κB and subsequently activates sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase (SERCA), which increases calcium uptake into the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum and decreases cytosolic calcium. Nuclear factor-κB, activated by CaMKII may lead to up-regulation of P-glycoprotein, which facilitates praziquantel efflux. CaMKII also activates calcineurin that inhibits SERCA. Given its pivotal role in <em>Schistosoma</em> homeostasis and survival, CaMKII emerges as a promising target for novel anthelmintic therapies, and its modulation might enhance the efficacy of praziquantel.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 111686"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144138085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biological and physiological changes of Biomphalaria glabrata infected by Heterorhabditis bacteriophora","authors":"Vinícius Menezes Tunholi-Alves ,&nbsp;Victor Menezes Tunholi ,&nbsp;Ludimila Santos Amaral ,&nbsp;Natânia do Carmo Sperandio ,&nbsp;Lorena Souza Castro Altoé ,&nbsp;Melissa Carvalho Machado do Couto-Chambarelli ,&nbsp;Caio Márcio de Oliveira Monteiro ,&nbsp;Isabella Vilhena Freire Martins","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study investigated for the first time the influence of exposure time (24 or 48 h) of <em>Biomphalaria glabrata</em> (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) to <em>Heterorhabditis bacteriophora</em> (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), strain HP88, on some physiological and reproductive parameters of the host mollusk. Throughout the experiment, intense glycogenolysis was observed in both exposed groups, which was more accentuated in the digestive gland. This change was accompanied by a significant increase in the free glucose content in the exposed snails, indicating that <em>H. bacteriophora</em> infection induces the breakdown of host glycemic homeostasis. In parallel, significant variations in lactate dehydrogenase activity in the hemolymph of <em>B. glabrata</em> exposed to entomopathogenic nematodes were observed, confirming the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism in the hosts. This physiological scenario contributed to the establishment of the parasitic castration process in this interface, compromising the reproductive performance of host snails, suggesting the use of <em>H. bacteriophora</em> HP88 as a potential alternative for control of <em>B. glabrata</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 111679"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144068329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of complement system in a gerbil model of cutaneous leishmaniasis","authors":"Baycan Mor ,&nbsp;Arzu Gormez ,&nbsp;Berna Demırcı","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111678","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111678","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Leishmania</em> species are intracellular protozoans responsible for causing both cutaneous and visceral infections. In recent years, the prevalence of leishmaniasis, a systemic and chronic disease, has been on the rise. Complement pathway mechanisms, part of the immune response of host organisms against <em>Leishmania</em> species, have not been fully revealed in leishmaniasis, which is very important for public health. This study aimed to explore the role of the complement system, an integral part of the immune response to <em>Leishmania</em> infections, in gerbil (<em>Meriones unguiculatus</em>) models of cutaneous leishmaniasis. This was achieved by assessing the expression levels of complement system genes (<em>MBL-1</em>, <em>MBL-2</em>, <em>C2</em>, and <em>C3</em>) and quantifying the protein levels of MBL-1, C2, and C3. Additionally, the study aimed to conduct biochemical tests, specifically measuring GSH and MDA levels, to detect oxidative stress in response to infection in gerbils. Finally, hematological analyses were performed to evaluate leukocyte counts in the blood. The expression of complement system genes and some complement system proteins were significantly increased in infected gerbils. Oxidative stress was evident, as indicated by reduced GSH levels and increased MDA levels. Additionally, a significant rise in leukocyte counts was observed as a consequence of the infection. The study concluded that complement system pathways are activated in cutaneous leishmaniasis infections. It was also determined that a thorough evaluation of genomic, proteomic, and immunopathological mechanisms is essential for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"262 ","pages":"Article 111678"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143780705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metronidazole induces prostaglandin E2 formation via arachidonic acid production in protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia","authors":"Rituparna Sarkar ,&nbsp;Sanjib Kumar Sardar ,&nbsp;Ajanta Ghosal ,&nbsp;Tapas Haldar ,&nbsp;Koushik Das ,&nbsp;Arjun Ghosh ,&nbsp;Akash Prasad ,&nbsp;Yumiko Saito-Nakano ,&nbsp;Shanta Dutta ,&nbsp;Tomoyoshi Nozaki ,&nbsp;Sandipan Ganguly","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The causative agent of giardiasis in human and animals is the amitochondriate <em>Giardia lamblia.</em> We observed that exposing <em>Giardia</em> trophozoites to MTZ led to an increase in lipid peroxidation compared to the control group, which was expressed in terms of menadione production as it is the marker for lipo-peroxidation. Oxidative stress generated by reactive nitrogen species and peroxidation of membrane phospholipids are positively correlated with the enhanced PLA2 activity in several organisms to produce arachidonic acid (AA). Our data suggested <em>Giardia</em> produces a unique 56 kDa dimeric enzyme called Phospholipase B (gPLB) in contrast to higher eukaryotes which was responsible for the production of intracellular free AA. This free AA either reacylates to the cell membrane or deacylates to further produce prostaglandins. In normal un-induced controlled trophozoites the membrane reacylation process was dominant due the higher level of acyle CoA synthase (ACS) expression over the time. However, under the oxidative stressed condition the intracellular ACS expression was down regulated. This led to the increase in deacylation process. When AA deacylation becomes dominant over AA reacylation in cells, the free AA accumulates intracellularly. One of the lipid autacoids, derived from AA is prostaglandin2 (PGE2). Oxidative stress generated by reactive nitrogen species in trophozoites increased the PGE2 production via prostaglandin synthase over the time with respect to the controlled one.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"262 ","pages":"Article 111676"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143657733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influences of parasitic stress on the health condition of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Biochemical and histopathological alterations","authors":"Hadeer Abd El-hak Rashed ,&nbsp;Nahla S. El-Shenawy ,&nbsp;Nadia A. El-Fahla","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the prevalence, severity, and impacts of parasitic infestations in <em>Clarias gariepinus</em>. Additionally, the study assesses the detrimental impacts of parasite infestation on the health condition of affected catfish, focusing on biochemical and histopathological alterations. A total of 160 fish were sampled from local markets. Parasitological examinations involved the dissection of key organs from each fish. The organs were processed and examined microscopically for parasites identified based on morphometric characteristics. Parasitological indices such as prevalence, mean intensity, and abundance were calculated. Fish blood and liver samples were collected to assess hematological and biochemical parameters. Microscopic and ultrastructural examinations identified the gills and liver as highly infected organs, so they were utilized for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analysis of catfish tissues unveiled the existence of <em>Cyathocotylid sp.</em> and <em>Prohemistomum vivax</em>, across all organs with dominance noted in the liver, emphasizing their pathogenic significance and notable ability to invade and establish within multiple organs or the immunocompromised response of the host. Meanwhile, <em>Centrocestus formosanus</em> and <em>Quadriacanthus aegyptiacus</em> were exclusively detected in the gills, with an overall parasitic infection rate of 60 %. The present study is one of the few studies documenting <em>Centrocestus</em> sp. in catfish which reflects its ability to spread in new hosts and environments. A novel morphological dimension was recorded for the recovered metacercariae. The hematological, along with the identified lesions from light histological and TEM examinations in heavily infected catfish, indicate the detrimental impact of parasite infiltration on fish health status. Besides the biochemical biomarkers were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by increasing the degree of infection. This study underscores the profound influence of parasitic infestations on the health of <em>C. gariepinus</em>, emphasizing the urgent need for effective management strategies in aquaculture to mitigate these effects, the spread of new pathogens, and ensure the sustainability and productivity of catfish farming. By integrating parasitological, morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses, this research provides valuable insights that contribute to better health management strategies in aquaculture and a deeper understanding of parasite biology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"262 ","pages":"Article 111677"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143597398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"AUK3 is required for faithful nuclear segregation in the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei","authors":"J.A. Black ,&nbsp;B.C. Poulton ,&nbsp;B. Gonzaga ,&nbsp;A. Iskantar ,&nbsp;D. Paape ,&nbsp;L.R.O. Tosi. ,&nbsp;R. McCulloch","doi":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2024.111664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molbiopara.2024.111664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Eukaryotic chromosomes segregate faithfully prior to nuclear division to ensure genome stability. If segregation becomes defective, the chromosome copy number of the cell may alter leading to aneuploidy and/or polyploidy, both common hallmarks of cancers. In eukaryotes, aurora kinases regulate chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis, but their functions in the divergent, single-celled eukaryotic pathogen <em>Trypanosoma brucei</em> are less understood. Here, we focused on one of three aurora kinases in these parasites, TbAUK3, a homologue of the human aurora kinase AURKC, whose functions are primarily restricted to meiosis. We show that RNAi targeted depletion of TbAUK3 correlates with nuclear segregation defects, reduced proliferation, and decreased DNA synthesis, suggestive of a role for TbAUK3 during mitotic, not meiotic, chromosome segregation. Moreover, we uncover a putative role for TbAUK3 during the parasite's response to DNA damage since we show that depletion of TbAUK3 enhances DNA instability and sensitivity to genotoxic agents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18721,"journal":{"name":"Molecular and biochemical parasitology","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 111664"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142922074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}