Microarrays and stage conversion in Toxoplasma gondii

Microarray technology is emerging as a powerful method for the study of those changes in gene expression that occur when a parasite converts from one life cycle stage to another. The use of appropriate experimental design and data analysis methodologies is essential if this technology is to be correctly exploited. In this review, the study of stage conversion in the transformation of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites into bradyzoites is considered as an example of where the application of microarrays is revealing exciting new knowledge on underlying molecular mechanisms. The more general application of microarrays in parasitology is also discussed.