Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics

Ablation of a maternal Cryptosporidium mRNA-binding protein results in sterile sporozoites

The paper identifies an RNA-binding protein essential for female gamete development and sporozoite infectivity in Cryptosporidium by analyzing single-cell data and conducting conditional ablation experiments.

Genome-targeted enrichment and sequencing of human-infecting Cryptosporidium spp.

The paper develops and validates a set of 100,000 RNA baits (CryptoCap_100k) to enrich Cryptosporidium DNA from clinical and environmental samples, improving read mapping, coverage, and variant analysis while reducing costs.

Forward genetics reveals microsporidian drug targets and recombination-based resistance

This study identifies drug targets and resistance mechanisms in microsporidia using forward genetics in C. elegans.

A comprehensive proteome and the first phosphoproteome reveal extensive phosphorylation of carbohydrate metabolism in Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoites

This paper presents a comprehensive proteome and phosphoproteome of Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoites, revealing limited phosphorylation of core metabolic enzymes and emphasizing phosphorylation in regulatory and structural processes.

Analysis of in vivo infection dynamics using bioluminescent Giardia duodenalis

This study develops a bioluminescent reporter system to track Giardia duodenalis infection in mice, showing strong correlation with direct parasite counts and enabling longitudinal analysis of infection dynamics.

Stool antigen-based enzyme immunoassays: Performance evaluations and automation

This paper evaluates three enzyme immunoassays for detecting pathogens in stool samples and assesses their automation on a DS2 system, finding high accuracy and efficiency gains for high-volume labs.

Widespread genomic heterogeneity at the type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenase locus predisposes Cryptosporidium to clofazimine resistance

The paper identifies genomic heterogeneity at the NDH2 locus in Cryptosporidium species that contributes to clofazimine resistance through adaptive recombination.

Exploring the Repertoire of Rhomboid Proteases in Cryptosporidium parvum Parasite: Phylogenesis, Structural motifs and Cellular Localization in Sporozoite Cells

This study identifies and characterizes three rhomboid proteases in Cryptosporidium parvum, analyzing their phylogenetic origin, structural features, and subcellular localization in sporozoites.

Polar tube firing dynamics and ultrastructure from the shrimp microsporidian Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei (EHP)

This study investigates the polar tube firing dynamics and ultrastructure of EHP, identifying optimal activation conditions and revealing structural features important for infection.

Human immune response to primary cryptosporidiosis parallels murine infection models

This study examines immune responses in two healthy adults after primary cryptosporidiosis, showing short-lived antibodies but sustained avidity maturation and Th1-driven cytokine responses similar to murine models.

Arginine metabolism has a pivotal function for the encystation of Giardia duodenalis

This study shows that arginine metabolism, specifically through the enzyme ADI, is essential for encystation in Giardia duodenalis, with functional differences between human-specific and zoonotic sub-assemblages.

Function of the alternative electron transport chain in the Cryptosporidium parvum mitosome

This study investigates the role of alternative oxidase (AOX) and type II NADH dehydrogenase (NDH2) in generating the mitosome membrane potential in Cryptosporidium parvum, finding both genes are non-essential and not the target of known inhibitors.

Identification of natural products and synthetic analogs which inhibit microsporidia spores and prevent infection

This study screens 4,080 compounds to identify inhibitors of microsporidia spores, finding 17 effective compounds that prevent infection in C. elegans.

Cryptosporidium Oocyst Wall Proteins are true oocyst wall proteins, with COWP8 functioning to hold the inner and outer layers of the oocyst wall together

The paper identifies and characterizes Cryptosporidium Oocyst Wall Proteins (COWPs), showing that COWP8 maintains the structural integrity of the oocyst wall without affecting viability or chlorination resistance.

Antiparasitic effect of peptoids against Cryptosporidium parvum

This study identifies two peptoids, TM9 and TM19, with potent anti-Cryptosporidium parvum activity that does not harm host cells, suggesting their potential as new therapeutics for cryptosporidiosis.

NOD2 stimulation reduces Cryptosporidium parvum level of infection in neonates by promoting intestinal epithelial production of antimicrobial peptides and cell renewing

This study shows that NOD2 stimulation with MDP reduces Cryptosporidium parvum infection in neonatal mice by increasing antimicrobial peptides and epithelial cell renewal.

Genetic crosses reveal genomic loci responsible for virulence in Cryptosporidium parvum infection

The paper identifies genomic loci associated with virulence in Cryptosporidium parvum by analyzing genetic crosses and whole-genome sequencing in mice.

Amplicon sequencing detects, identifies, and quantifies minority variants in mixed-species infections of Cryptosporidium parasites

The paper develops a method to detect and identify minority Cryptosporidium species in mixed infections using amplicon sequencing and DADA2, demonstrating sensitivity to low-abundance variants.

Targeted CRISPR Screens Reveal Genes Essential for Cryptosporidium Survival in the Host Intestine

This study uses targeted CRISPR screens to identify essential genes for Cryptosporidium survival, finding Cp23 is critical for gliding motility and reinfection.

The protein translation initiation machinery is targetable for developing fast-killing therapeutics against the zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum

This paper identifies CpeIF4A as a novel drug target for anti-cryptosporidial therapeutics and shows that Roc-A inhibits parasite growth in vitro and in vivo.

The essential host genome for Cryptosporidium intracellular survival exposes metabolic dependencies that can be leveraged for treatment

The paper uses a CRISPR-Cas9 screen to identify host genes critical for Cryptosporidium survival, revealing a metabolic dependency on host cholesterol biosynthesis that can be targeted for treatment.

Small-molecule screen in C. elegans identifies benzenesulfonamides as inhibitors of microsporidia spores

The paper screens compounds in C. elegans to identify benzenesulfonamides that inhibit microsporidia spores, showing effectiveness against multiple species.

Cryptosporidium modifies intestinal microvilli through an exported virulence factor

This study identifies a Cryptosporidium virulence factor that modifies host intestinal microvilli by interacting with host proteins, similar to a bacterial virulence factor.

scRNA-seq reveals transcriptional dynamics of Encephalitozoon intestinalis parasites in human macrophages

This study uses scRNA-seq to analyze transcriptional changes in human macrophages and Encephalitozoon intestinalis parasites during infection, revealing parasite developmental dynamics and host response.

Cryo-ET reveals the in situ architecture of the polar tube invasion apparatus from microsporidian parasites

The paper uses cryo-electron tomography to reveal the in situ architecture of the polar tube invasion apparatus in microsporidian parasites.

Global Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infections in Cattle and C. parvum genotype distribution: A Meta-Analysis

This paper estimates global Cryptosporidium prevalence in cattle at 25.5% and identifies C. parvum as the most common species, particularly the IIa subfamily, in diarrheic cases.

A new chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of Cryptosporidium meleagridis

The paper presents a chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of Cryptosporidium meleagridis, revealing 3,923 protein-coding genes and high completeness.

Unraveling the Role of cAMP Signaling in Giardia: Insights into PKA-Mediated Regulation of Encystation and Subcellular Interactions

This study investigates the role of cAMP signaling in Giardia, focusing on PKA-mediated regulation of encystation and subcellular interactions using Split-Halo technology.

A pumpless and tubeless microfluidic device enables extended in vitro development of Cryptosporidium parvum

This study develops a pumpless microfluidic device for in vitro cultivation of Cryptosporidium parvum, showing extended development and infectivity of oocysts.

Exploring the impact of digestive physicochemical parameters of adults and infants on the pathophysiology of Cryptosporidium parvum using the dynamic TIM-1 gastrointestinal model

This study investigates how age-related digestive parameters affect Cryptosporidium parvum infection using an in vitro gastrointestinal model, finding differences in sporozoite release, activity, and invasiveness between adults and infants.