Unique posttranslational modifications in eukaryotic translation factors and their roles in protozoan parasite viability and pathogenesis

► Protozoan parasites undergo complex changes during their life cycles. ► Changes in protein localization and function are often induced by post-translational modifications. ► Three unique protein modifications occur on specific translation elongation factors. ► The modifications are: ethanolamine phosphoglycerol, hypusine and diphthamide. ► The significance of these unique modifications in the biology of protozoan parasites is discussed.