University of Georgia
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Category: publications

Lipophilic bisphosphonates reduced cyst burden and ameliorated hyperactivity of mice chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Donna Huber on October 10, 2024

The current treatments for toxoplasmosis are only active against fast-growing tachyzoites, present in acute infections, with little effect on slow-growing bradyzoites within tissue cysts, present in latent chronic infections. The mitochondrion of Toxoplasma gondii is essential for its survival, and one of the major anti-parasitic drugs, atovaquone, inhibits the mitochondrial electron transport chain at the coenzyme Q:cytochrome …

Regional changes of maximum dose insecticide responses in diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) populations from Georgia and Florida, USA

Donna Huber on October 10, 2024

Maximum dose bioassays were conducted to assess the efficacy of multiple registered active ingredients for diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), control in Georgia and Florida from 2021 to 2023 as a follow-up to an earlier study. Low efficacy (<40% mortality) was recorded for the highest labeled rate of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki strain ATBS-351 …

Acidocalcisome localization of membrane transporters and enzymes in Trypanosoma brucei

Donna Huber on October 9, 2024

  Acidocalcisomes of Trypanosoma brucei are membrane-bounded organelles characterized by their acidity and high content of polyphosphate and cations, like calcium and magnesium. They have important roles in cation and phosphorus storage, osmoregulation, autophagy initiation, calcium signaling, and virulence. Acidocalcisomes of T. brucei possess several membrane transporters, pumps, and channels, some of which were identified …

A kalihinol analog disrupts apicoplast function and vesicular trafficking in P. falciparum malaria

Donna Huber on September 27, 2024

  We report the discovery of MED6-189, an analog of the kalihinol family of isocyanoterpene natural products that is effective against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains, blocking both asexual replication and sexual differentiation. In vivo studies using a humanized mouse model of malaria confirm strong efficacy of the compound in animals with no apparent hemolytic activity …

Current Status of the Diagnosis of Brugia spp. Infections

Donna Huber on September 23, 2024

Filarial nematodes of the genus Brugia include parasites that are significant to both human and veterinary medicine. Accurate diagnosis is essential for managing infections by these parasites and supporting elimination programs. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as microscopy and serology, remain vital, especially in resource-limited settings. However, advancements in molecular diagnostics, including nucleic acid amplification tests, offer enhanced …

The GPI sidechain of Toxoplasma gondii inhibits parasite pathogenesis

Donna Huber on September 20, 2024

  Glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) are highly conserved anchors for eukaryotic cell surface proteins. The apicomplexan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is a widespread intracellular parasite of warm-blooded animals whose plasma membrane is covered with GPI-anchored proteins, and free GPIs called GIPLs. While the glycan portion is conserved, species differ in sidechains added to the triple mannose core. The …

Oxygen-dependent regulation of F-box proteins in Toxoplasma gondii is mediated by Skp1 glycosylation

Donna Huber on September 20, 2024

  A dynamic proteome is required for cellular adaption to changing environments including levels of O2, and the SKP1/CULLIN-1/F-box protein/RBX1 (SCF) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases contributes importantly to proteasome-mediated degradation. We examine, in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the influence on the interactome of SKP1 by its novel glycan attached to a hydroxyproline generated …

A combination of four Toxoplasma gondii nuclear-targeted effectors protects against interferon gamma-driven human host cell death

Donna Huber on September 18, 2024

  In both mice and humans, Type II interferon gamma (IFNγ) is crucial for the regulation of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection, during acute or chronic phases. To thwart this defense, T. gondii secretes protein effectors hindering the host’s immune response. For example, T. gondii relies on the MYR translocon complex to deploy soluble dense …

Inorganic Polyphosphate Is in the Surface of Trypanosoma cruzi but Is Not Significantly Secreted

Donna Huber on September 9, 2024

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, an infection that can lead to the development of cardiac fibrosis, which is characterized by the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the interstitial region of the myocardium. The parasite itself can induce myofibroblast differentiation of cardiac fibroblast in vitro, leading to increased expression of ECM. …