A transcriptional network required for bradyzoite development in Toxoplasma gondii is dispensable for recrudescent disease

Sarah L. Sokol-Borrelli, Sarah M. Reilly, Michael J. Holmes, Stephanie B. Orchanian, Mackenzie D. Massmann, Katherine G. Sharp, Leah F. Cabo, Hisham S. Alrubaye, Bruno Martorelli Di Genova, Melissa B. Lodoen, William J. Sullivan and Jon P. Boyle ()
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Sarah L. Sokol-Borrelli: University of Pittsburgh
Sarah M. Reilly: University of Pittsburgh
Michael J. Holmes: Indiana University School of Medicine
Stephanie B. Orchanian: University of California
Mackenzie D. Massmann: University of Pittsburgh
Katherine G. Sharp: University of Pittsburgh
Leah F. Cabo: University of Pittsburgh
Hisham S. Alrubaye: University of Pittsburgh
Bruno Martorelli Di Genova: University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
Melissa B. Lodoen: University of California
William J. Sullivan: Indiana University School of Medicine
Jon P. Boyle: University of Pittsburgh

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: Abstract Identification of regulators of Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoite development and cyst formation is the most direct way to address the importance of parasite development in long-term persistence and reactivation of this parasite. Here we show that a T. gondii gene (named Regulator of Cystogenesis 1; ROCY1) is sufficient for T. gondii bradyzoite formation in vitro and in vivo. ROCY1 encodes an RNA binding protein that has a preference for 3’ regulatory regions of hundreds of T. gondii transcripts, and its RNA-binding domains are required to mediate bradyzoite development. Female mice infected with ΔROCY1 parasites have reduced (>90%) cyst burden. While viable parasites can be cultivated from brain tissue for up to 6 months post-infection, chronic brain-resident ΔROCY1 parasites have reduced oral infectivity compared to wild type. Despite clear defects in bradyzoite formation and oral infectivity, ΔROCY1 parasites were able to reactivate with similar timing and magnitude as wild type parasites for up to 5 months post-infection. Therefore while ROCY1 is a critical regulator of the bradyzoite developmental pathway, it is not required for parasite reactivation, raising new questions about the persisting life stage responsible for causing recrudescent disease.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40948-w

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