Cryptosporidium Rhomboid Protease Phylogeny and Sporozoite Localization

Three rhomboid proteases (CpRom1, CpRom2, CpRom3) were identified and characterized in the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. The dataset contains phylogenetic, structural, and subcellular localization analysis for these enzymes in sporozoite cells. Author Ilaria Vanni published this research on figshare in April 2026.

Use Cases

• Classify rhomboid protease types (e.g., mixed secretases) based on structural motif analysis.
• Compare phylogenetic clusters of C. parvum rhomboids with orthologs from Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum using catalytic site similarity data.
• Analyze the distinct subcellular localization patterns (apical complex, posterior pole, entire surface) for CpRom1, CpRom2, and CpRom3 in sporozoites.
• Investigate the genomic absence of PARL-like rhomboid genes in intestinal Cryptosporidium species versus gastric species using synteny data.
• Identify candidate membrane protein substrates from a listed set of 10 proteins based on similarity to known apicomplexan rhomboid substrates.

Strengths

• Direct analysis of three specific rhomboid proteases (CpRom1, CpRom2, CpRom3) in Cryptosporidium parvum.
• Includes comparative phylogenetic data with orthologs from two other major apicomplexan parasites.
• Documents distinct subcellular localization for each protease within the invasive sporozoite stage.

Limitations

• Dataset is very small at 13.2 KB, indicating limited raw or processed data volume.
• Row count and specific column names are unknown, limiting assessment of data structure.
• Analysis is specific to Cryptosporidium parvum and may not generalize to other parasites.

Provenance

Source

figshare, authored by Ilaria Vanni.

Collection Method

Computational phylogenetic analysis, structural domain examination, and experimental cellular localization study in sporozoite cells.

Time Range

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Freshness

Last updated April 2026.

Geography

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