Proteomics and posttranslational protein modifications in Toxoplasma gondii

The identification and characterization of the function of proteins in Toxoplasma gondii has been a focus of many research groups since the development of techniques that enabled the study of individual genes and molecules. Proteomic studies provide complementary data to those obtained by transcriptional “omics” approaches. Proteomics data for T. gondii has also been helpful for improving genome annotation. Improved methods to purify subproteomes and the use of biotin identification (and similar techniques) are dramatically expanding our understanding of the structures formed by this organism and their relationship to its host cell. This chapter reviews the current status of proteomic studies on T. gondii and the role of various posttranslational modifications in the biology of this pathogen.