Characterizing the distribution of myosin H in the apical complex of conoid protruded and conoid retracted Toxoplasma gondii

An estimated 1 billion people globally are infected by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. While most infections are asymptomatic, serious disease can occur in the immunocompromised and in fetuses. Despite the organism’s significance to human health, there are many gaps in our understanding of T. gondii’s basic biology. The parasite uses an apical complex comprised of secretory organelles and proteinaceous structures to drive host-cell invasion and is capable of invading virtually any animal cell. However, fundamental details of the apical complex organization and composition are unknown, with observation made difficult by the fact that the entire complex is approximately a single diffraction-limited volume.