S. M. Beverley

Parasite hybridization promotes spreading of endosymbiotic viruses

This study shows that parasite hybridization in cutaneous leishmaniasis increases the spread of endosymbiotic viruses, contributing to disease severity.

An RNA interference (RNAi) toolkit and its utility for functional genetic analysis of Leishmania ( Viannia )

This study develops and applies RNAi tools to Leishmania (Viannia) species, showing that RNAi efficacy increases with stem length and enables hypomorphic analysis of essential genes.

An expanded proteomic survey of the human parasite Leishmania major focusing on changes in null mutants of the Golgi GDP-Mannose/Fucose/Arabinopyranose transporter LPG2 or the mitochondrial fucosyltransferase FUT1

This paper uses ultradeep proteomics to analyze Leishmania major mutants, revealing significant proteomic changes in LPG2 and FUT1 mutants and highlighting potential therapeutic targets.

Quantitative single-cell analysis of Leishmania major amastigote differentiation demonstrates variably extended expression of the lipophosphoglycan (LPG) virulence factor in different host cell types

This study uses single-cell analysis to show that Leishmania major amastigotes retain lipophosphoglycan (LPG) expression longer in certain host cells, potentially enhancing infectivity.

Sphingolipids protect ergosterol in the Leishmania major membrane from sterol-binding toxins

This study investigates how sphingolipids in Leishmania major protect ergosterol from sterol-binding toxins, showing that ceramide reduces toxin cytotoxicity and enhances amphotericin B efficacy.

Inositol Phosphorlyceramide Synthase null Leishmania major (Δipcs-) are viable and virulent in animal infections where salvage of host sphingomyelin predominates

This study shows that Leishmania major lacking inositol phosphorlyceramide synthase (IPCS) remains viable and virulent in mice, suggesting SM salvage compensates for IPC loss.

Genetic exchange in Leishmania is facilitated by IgM natural antibodies

This study shows IgM antibodies facilitate Leishmania genetic hybridization in vitro and in vivo, leading to full genome hybrids and increased genetic exchange.

Genome assemblies across the diverse evolutionary spectrum of Leishmania protozoan parasites

The paper provides high-quality genome assemblies and gene annotations for 13 Leishmania and related species to study the origins of parasitism.

An essential, kinetoplastid-specific GDP-Fuc: β-D-Gal α-1,2-fucosyltransferase is located in the mitochondrion of Trypanosoma brucei

This study identifies TbFUT1 as an essential mitochondrial fucosyltransferase in Trypanosoma brucei, critical for both bloodstream and procyclic forms and potentially therapeutically relevant across trypanosomatids.

A broadly active fucosyltransferase LmjFUT1 whose mitochondrial localization and catalytic activity is essential in the parasitic protozoan Leishmania

This paper identifies FUT1 as an essential fucosyltransferase in Leishmania, localized to mitochondria, with enzymatic activity required for viability and mitochondrial function.

Interplay of the Trypanosome Lytic Factor and innate immune cells in the resolution of cutaneous Leishmania infection

This paper investigates how Trypanosome Lytic Factor (TLF) and neutrophils interact to reduce Leishmania major infection, showing TLF requires acidic phagosomes and surface glycoconjugates for parasite lysis.

Concentration of 2’C-methyladenosine triphosphate by Leishmania guyanensis enables specific inhibition of Leishmania RNA virus 1 via its RNA polymerase

This study shows that 2’C-methyladenosine triphosphate (2CMATP) inhibits Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1) RNA polymerase, leading to viral eradication in Leishmania guyanensis.