Transcriptional dynamics of S. neurona-infected host cells treated with an inhibitor of mRNA polyadenylation

In recent years, a class of chemical compounds (benzoxaboroles) that are active against a range of parasites has been shown to target mRNA polyadenylation by inhibiting the activity of CPSF73, the endonucleolytic core of the eukaryotic polyadenylation complex. One particular compound, termed AN3661, is active against several apicomplexan parasites that cause disease in humans. In this study, we describe the effects of AN3661 treatment on gene expression and poly(A) site choice in Sarcocystis neurona-infected bovine turbinate (BT) cells. The goals of the study are to confirm the effects of AN3661 on mRNA polyadenylation in S. neurona, and to determine whether the inhibitor has any effects on gene expression and mRNA polyadenylation in the BT host cells.