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Species of the trypanosomatid parasite genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania exhibit a particular range of cell shapes that are defined by their internal cytoskeletons. The cytoskeleton is characterized by a subpellicular corset of microtubules that are cross-linked to each other and to the plasma membrane. Trypanosomatid cells possess an extremely precise organization of microtubules and filaments, with some of their organelles, such as the mitochondria, kinetoplasts, basal bodies, and flagella, present as single copies in each cell. The duplication of these structures and changes in their position during life cycle differentiations provide markers and insight into events involved in determining cell form and division. We have a rapidly increasing catalog of these structures, their molecular cytology, and their ontogeny. The current sophistication of available molecular genetic techniques for use in these organisms has allowed a new functional analysis of the cytoskeleton, including functions that are intrinsic to the proliferation and pathogenicity of these parasites.

Original publication

DOI

10.1146/annurev.micro.53.1.629

Type

Journal article

Journal

Annu Rev Microbiol

Publication Date

1999

Volume

53

Pages

629 - 655

Keywords

Animals, Cytoskeletal Proteins, Cytoskeleton, Leishmania, Microtubules, Protozoan Proteins, Trypanosoma, Trypanosomatina