The paraflagellar rod of kinetoplastid parasites: from structure to components and function

The role of the eukaryotic flagellum in cell motility is well established but its importance in many other aspects of cell biology, from cell signalling to developmental regulation, is becoming increasingly apparent. In addition to this diversity of function the core structure of the flagellum, whic...

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Sonraí bibleagrafaíochta
Príomhchruthaitheoirí: Portman, N, Gull, K
Rannpháirtithe: Australian Society for Parasitology
Formáid: Journal article
Teanga:English
Foilsithe / Cruthaithe: Elsevier 2010
Ábhair:
Cur síos
Achoimre:The role of the eukaryotic flagellum in cell motility is well established but its importance in many other aspects of cell biology, from cell signalling to developmental regulation, is becoming increasingly apparent. In addition to this diversity of function the core structure of the flagellum, which has been inherited from the earliest ancestor of all eukaryotes, is embellished with a range of extra-axonemal structures in many organisms. One of the best studied of these structures is the paraflagellar rod of kinetoplastid protozoa in which the morphological characteristics have been well defined and some of the major protein constituents have been identified. Here we discuss recent advances in the identification of further molecular components of the paraflagellar rod, how these impact on our understanding of its function and regulation and the implication for therapeutic intervention in a number of devastating human pathologies.