Actin-binding proteins (ABPs) from Neospora caninum: role of actin-depolymerizing factor (NcADF) and cyclase-associated protein (NcCAP) in actin dynamics

• Grant number: 15/04258-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: June 29, 2015
• End date: April 28, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Ana Patricia Yatsuda Natsui
• Grantee: Luciana Baroni
• Supervisor: Sutherland Kester Maciver
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Edinburgh, Scotland
• Associated to the scholarship: 12/22772-2 - Identification and characterization of actin-binding proteins (ABPs) of the Apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum, BP.DR

Abstract

Neospora caninum, an apicomplexan parasite, is one of the main causes of infectious abortion in cows, leading to significant economic losses to cattle breeders. As obligatory intracellular organisms, apicomplexans need to migrate into the cells to survive. The filamentous form of actin (f-actin) has a central role in the generation of the invasion and gliding motility at the motor complex. However, actin from apicomplexans has an unusual dynamic, presenting short and unstable filament, suggesting a tight control of polymerization and depolymerization of filaments. In this context, the actin-binding proteins (ABPs) emerge as the responsible for the actin dynamic regulation. In this project we aim at investigating the role of two ABPs (ADF and CAP from N. caninum) in actin dynamics employing rabbit skeletal muscle actin as an in vitro model. To accomplish that, biochemical techniques will be used, such as actin sedimentations assay, polymerization kinetics, nucleotide exchange, and direct observation of actin filaments. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BARONI, LUCIANA; PEREIRA, LUIZ M.; MACIVER, SUTHERLAND K.; YATSUDA, ANA P.. Functional characterisation of the actin-depolymerising factor from the apicomplexan Neospora caninum (NcADF). Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology, v. 224, p. 26-36, SEP 15 2018. (15/04258-8, 12/22772-2)