New Insights into Functional and Regulatory Aspects of Gene Expression in Protozoan Parasites

Dear Colleagues,

Protozoan parasites are a diverse group of unicellular, eukaryotic microorganisms that cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. Unlike bacteria and viruses, protozoa have developed a more sophisticated functional gene repertoire and regulatory mechanisms during evolution. These features allow them to establish infection, evade the host immune system, and ensure their survival and proliferation. Recent advancements in molecular biology, genomics, and computational approaches have shed light on the complex mechanisms governing gene expression in protozoan parasites. This Special Issue, entitled “New Insights into Functional and Regulatory Aspects of Gene Expression in Protozoan Parasites”, aims to provide a platform to showcase recent, fundamental research progress on unicellular parasites at the molecular level. Its focal points, among others, are as follows:

- The deployment of genetic tools for the manipulation of genetically intractable protozoan parasites.

- The functional characterization of protein-coding genes that are implicated in pathogenesis, life cycles, modes of transmission, host–parasite interactions, and other key processes of parasitic protozoa.

- The regulation of gene expression at multiple levels in cells of protozoa parasites, which include, but are not limited to, epigenetic modifications, small non-coding RNAs, transcriptional and translational regulation, spatial and temporal control of protein synthesis, etc.

- Comparative studies that reveal parasite diversity, evolution, their genetic basis of pathogenicity and drug resistance, and adaptations to different hosts and environments.

- The integration of cutting-edge computational approaches such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in analyzing large-scale multiomics data of protozoan parasites.

- The identification and validation of key antigens that facilitate drug discovery and vaccine development against infections from protozoan pathogens.

Dr. Xian-Yong Liu
Dr. Shuqi Wang
Guest Editors

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• protozoan parasites 
• parasite diversity
• protozoan pathogens
• drug discovery and vaccine