New Insights on Cytoskeleton Proteins in Protozoan Parasites

Dear Colleagues,

In most unicellular parasites, as in other eukaryotic cells, the cytoskeleton forms a complex and dynamic network composed of actin filaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments. These different components work together to contribute to a multitude of cellular functions including maintenance of shape, integrity and internal organization, scaffold for the development of the progenies and cytokinesis, mechanical support for cell motility (gliding, cilia and flagella beating), endocytosis, exocytosis and internal transport.

The cell cytoskeleton is therefore at the centre of cell biology and this is particularly true in unicellular parasites that adapt to different environments during their life cycle and often differentiate from one stage to another with profound changes of their cytoskeleton. While molecular motors (myosins, dyneins and kinesins) are directly involved in directed movement important for intracellular transport, contraction and cell motility, other cytoskeletal and cytoskeleton-associated proteins regulate the assembly/disassembly of the networks and form parasite-specific essential structures.

Reviews and original research manuscripts on new insights on cytoskeleton and cytoskeleton-associated proteins in protozoan parasites will be considered. The objective of this Special Issue is to expand the knowledge on the cytoskeleton composition, biogenesis and function in protozoan parasites with an emphasis on their specificities.

Dr. Mélanie Bonhivers
Dr. Karine Frenal
Topic Editors