title: The microaerophilic flagellate, Trichomonas vaginalis, contains unusual acyl lipids but no detectable cardiolipin.
abstract: Previous lipid analysis of trichomonads has led to controversy as to whether these hydrogenosome-containing organisms contain cardiolipin (CL), which is a characteristic component of mitochondria. Here we report a careful lipid analysis of the sexually transmitted protist Trichomonas vaginalis. Major lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (42%) and phosphatidylcholine (20%) with lesser amounts of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) (12%) and non-polar components. Two unusual lipids, acyl-PG (8%) and ceramide phosphorylethanolamine (2%), were also significant components. The structures of these lipids were confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry following reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. This is the first time ceramide phosphorylethanolamine has been reported in a trichomonad. In contrast, CL (diphosphatidylglycerol) could not be detected either by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography or by mass spectrometry. These data are discussed in relation to the organism's phylogenetic origin as a parasite showing secondary adaptation to microaerobic conditions.
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3TL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Irina A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Guschina
authors.forename: Kristina M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Maskrey
authors.forename: Burt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Goldberg
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Harwood