The cytoskeleton of trypanosomatid parasites

Species of the trypanosomatid parasite genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania ex hibit a particular range of cell shapes that are defined by their internal cytoskeletons. The cytoskeleton is characterized by a subpellicular corset of microtubules that are cross-linked to each other and to the plasma membr ane. Trypanosomatid cells possess an extremely precise organization of micr otubules and filaments, with some of their organelles, such as the mitochon dria, kinetoplasts, basal bodies, and flagella, present as single copies in each cell. The duplication of these structures and changes in their positi on during life cycle differentiations provide markers and insight into even ts involved in determining cell form and division. We have a rapidly increa sing catalog of these structures, their molecular cytology, and their ontog eny. The current sophistication of available molecular genetic techniques f or use in these organisms has allowed a new functional analysis of the cyto skeleton, including functions that are intrinsic to the proliferation and p athogenicity of these parasites.