Ancient Leishmania coronin (CRN12) is involved in microtubule remodeling during cytokinesis.
In general, coronins play an important role in actin-based processes, and are expressed in a variety of eukaryotic cells, including Leishmania. Here, we show that Leishmania coronin preferentially distributes to the distal tip during cytokinesis, and interacts with microtubules through a microtubule-based motor, kinesin K39. We further show that reduction in coronin levels by 40-50% in heterozygous coronin mutants results in generation of bipolar cells (25-30%), specifically in the log phase, owing to unregulated growth of the corset microtubules. Further analysis of bipolar cells revealed that the main cause of generation of bipolar cell morphology is the intrusion of the persistently growing corset microtubules into the other daughter cell corset from the opposite direction. This defect in cytokinesis, however, disappears upon episomal gene complementation. Additionally, our attempts to prepare homozygous mutants were unsuccessful, as only the aneuploid cells survive the selection process. These results indicate that coronin regulates microtubule remodeling during Leishmania cytokinesis and is essentially required for survival of these parasites in culture.
Sahasrabuddhe
Amogh A
AA
Division of Molecular and Structural Biology, Central Drug Research Institute, M.G. Marg, Lucknow 226001, India.
Nayak
Ramesh C
RC
Gupta
Chhitar M
CM
D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000782:Aneuploidy; D000818:Animals; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000378:metabolism; D048749:Cytokinesis / Q000187:drug effects; D007893:Leishmania donovani / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018942:Macrolides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009154:Mutation; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors; D050257:Tubulin Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology; D054378:Acetogenins
D015107:4-Butyrolactone; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D018942:Macrolides; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D050257:Tubulin Modulators; C438920:coronin acetogenin; D054378:Acetogenins; C041443:rhizoxin; C079253:K39 antigen, Leishmania