Unique Tubulin-Based Structures in the Zoonotic Apicomplexan Parasite Cryptosporidium parvum

Cryptosporidium parasites are known to be highly divergent from other apicomplexan species at evolutionary and biological levels. Here we provide evidence showing that the zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum also differs from other apicomplexans, such as Toxoplasma gondii, by possessing only two tubulin-based filamentous structures, rather than an array of subpellicular microtubules. Using an affinity-purified polyclonal antibody against C. parvum beta-tubulin (CpTubB), we observed a long and a short microtubule that are rigid and stable in the sporozoites and restructured during the intracellular parasite development. In asexual development (merogony), the two restructuring microtubules are present in pairs (one pair per nucleus or merozoites). In sexual developmental stages, tubulin-based structures are detectable only in microgametes, but undetectable in macrogametes. These observations indicate that C. parvum parasites use unique microtubule structures that differ from other apicomplexans as part of their cytoskeletal elements.

Automated summary

Cryptosporidium parasites, including Cryptosporidium parvum, have unique tubulin-based filamentous structures different from other apicomplexan species, such as Toxoplasma gondii. These parasites exhibit rigid and stable microtubules that are restructured during intracellular development, with differences in tubulin-based structures between asexual and sexual developmental stages.