Structural biology of T. gondii glideosome-associated Connector (TgGAC)
File(s)
Author(s)
Zhang, Xu
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Apicomplexa are an essential phylum of parasites that are closely related to human infectious diseases, especially Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). These diseases cannot be fully treated as no targeted drugs are available. Therefore, it is necessary to develop novel drugs to prevent host cells from being infected by Apicomplexa. Apicomplexa possess a unique capability termed gliding motility, which helps with migration, invasion, and egress from host cells. Gliding motility is powered by a highly conserved acto-myosin complex termed the glideosome and is facilitated by a protein termed glideosome-associated connector (GAC), which working as the connection between the glideosome and transmembrane micronemal adhesins (MICs). GAC in T. gondii (TgGAC) is an armadillo repeats-containing (ARM) protein, and its C-terminal can interact with the parasite plasma membrane (PPM) and a MIC2 tail. The high-resolution structure of TgGAC, detailed interaction mechanisms and the specific binding sites between TgGAC and TgMIC2 remain to be determined. This project aims to elucidate the high-resolution 3D structure of TgGAC by X-ray crystallography and study the interactions of the TgGAC and TgMIC2 to further locate the binding sites between them by NMR, MST and MD. Various TgGAC and TgMIC2 mutants have been designed for structural characterization and binding assays.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2025-10-01
Date Awarded
01/02/2026
Advisor
Matthews, Steve
Publisher Department
Department of Life Sciences
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Subjects
Apicomplexa
glideosome
Toxoplasma gondii
GAC
MIC
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)