Journal
BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
Volume 112, Issue 6, Pages 173-185Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/boc.202000006
Keywords
Apicomplexa; Evolutionary history; Genomics; Parasitology; Protozoa
Categories
Funding
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche [LabEx ANR-10-LABX-0003-BCDiv]
- program 'Investissements d'avenir' [ANR-11-IDEX-0004-02]
- CNRS
- MNHN(ATM-Microorganismes)
- MNHN(ATM-Genomique et Collections)
- MNHN(ATM-Emergence, AVIV department)
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Gregarines, a polyphyletic group of apicomplexan parasites infecting mostly non-vertebrates hosts, remains poorly known at taxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic levels. However, it represents an essential group for understanding evolutionary history and adaptive capacities of apicomplexan parasites to the remarkable diversity of their hosts. Because they have a mostly extracellular lifestyle, gregarines have developed other cellular developmental forms and host-parasite interactions, compared with their much better studied apicomplexan cousins, intracellular parasites of vertebrates (Hemosporidia, Coccidia, Cryptosporidia). This review highlights the promises offered by the molecular exploration of gregarines, that have been until now left on the side of the road of the comparative -omic exploration of apicomplexan parasites. Elucidating molecular bases for both their ultrastructural, functional and behavioural similarities and differences, compared with those of the typical apicomplexan models, is expected to provide entirely novel clues on the adaptive capacities developed by Apicomplexa over evolution. A challenge remains to identify which gregarines should be explored in priority, as recent metadata from open and host-associated environments have confirmed how underestimated is our current view on true gregarine biodiversity. It is now time to turn to gregarines to widen the currently highly skewed view we have of adaptive mechanisms developed by Apicomplexa.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available