The Transforming Parasite Theileria Co-opts Host Cell Mitotic and Central Spindles to Persist in Continuously Dividing Cells

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000499
• Publication Date: 2010-09-28T20:39:44Z
• Authors: Conrad von Schubert; Gongda Xue; Jacqueline Schmuc...; Kerry L. Woods; Erich A. Nigg; Dirk A. E. Dobbel...
• Keywords: Syncytium; Multinucleate; Intracellular parasite; Theileria parva

The protozoan parasite Theileria inhabits the host cell cytoplasm and possesses unique capacity to transform cells it infects, inducing continuous proliferation protection against apoptosis. transforming schizont is a multinucleated syncytium that resides free in strictly intracellular. To maintain transformation, crucial this divided over two daughter at each cytokinesis. This process was dissected using different cycle synchronization methods combination with targeted application of specific inhibitors. We found schizonts associate newly formed microtubules emanate from spindle poles, positioning equatorial region mitotic where chromosomes assemble during metaphase. During anaphase, interacts closely central spindle. As part process, recruits kinase, Polo-like kinase 1, we established association spindles requires 1 catalytic activity. Blocking interaction between astral as well prevented segregation Our findings provide striking example how an intracellular eukaryotic pathogen evolved ways induce uncontrolled infects usurps machinery, including one pivotal kinases, ensure its own persistence survival.