Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum lack detectable DNA cytosine methylation

Eukaryot Cell. 2008 Mar;7(3):537-40. doi: 10.1128/EC.00448-07. Epub 2008 Jan 4.

Abstract

Epigenetic factors play a role in the expression of virulence traits in Apicomplexa. Apicomplexan genomes encode putative DNA cytosine methylation enzymes. To assess the presence of cytosine methylation of Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum DNA, we used mass spectrometry analysis and confirmed that these organisms lack detectable methylcytosine in their DNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 5-Methylcytosine / analysis*
  • Animals
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / genetics*
  • DNA Methylation*
  • DNA, Protozoan / metabolism
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Toxoplasma / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan
  • 5-Methylcytosine