A transferrin-binding protein of Trypanosoma brucei is encoded by one of the genes in the variant surface glycoprotein gene expression site.
A transferrin-binding protein (TFBP) with an apparent molecular weight of 42 kd was purified from detergent-soluble membrane proteins of bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei. The protein is not expressed in the insect-borne stage of the parasite's life-cycle. Purified TFBP can be converted from an amphiphilic to a hydrophilic form by cleavage with T.brucei glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-specific phospholipase C, demonstrating that the C-terminus is modified by a GPI-membrane anchor. The TFBP is encoded by an expression-site-associated gene [ESAG 6 in the nomenclature of Pays et al. (1989) Cell, 57, 835-845] which is under the control of the promoter transcribing the expressed variant surface glycoprotein gene. The possible function of TFBP as a receptor for the uptake of transferrin in bloodstream forms is discussed.
Schell
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D
Max-Planck-Institut für Biologie, Tübingen, FRG.
Evers
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R
Preis
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Ziegelbauer
K
K
Kiefer
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H
Lottspeich
F
F
Cornelissen
A W
AW
Overath
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P
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001769:Blood / Q000469:parasitology; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000494:pharmacology; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols; D006868:Hydrolysis; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010716:Phosphatidylinositols / Q000494:pharmacology; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D051381:Rats; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000235:genetics*; D014346:Trypanosoma brucei brucei / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development
D006017:Glycolipids; D006023:Glycoproteins; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols; D010716:Phosphatidylinositols; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin