Trypanosoma brucei AMP-activated kinase subunit homologs influence surface molecule expression.
The African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, can gauge its environment by sensing nutrient availability. For example, procyclic form (PF) trypanosomes monitor changes in glucose levels to regulate surface molecule expression, which is important for survival in the tsetse fly vector. The molecular connection between glycolysis and surface molecule expression is unknown. Here we partially characterize T. brucei homologs of the beta and gamma subunits of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and determine their roles in regulating surface molecule expression. Using flow cytometry and mass spectrometry, we found that TbAMPKbeta or TbAMPKgamma-deficient parasites express both of the major surface molecules, EP- and GPEET-procyclin, with the latter being a form that is expressed when glucose is low such as in the tsetse fly. Last, we have found that the putative scaffold component of the complex, TbAMPKbeta, fractionates with organellar components and colocalizes in part with a glycosomal marker as well as the flagellum of PF parasites.
Clemmens
Clarice S
CS
Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
Morris
Meredith T
MT
Lyda
Todd A
TA
Acosta-Serrano
Alvaro
A
Morris
James C
JC
D055372:AMP-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015870:Gene Expression; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D034622:RNA Interference; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; D014346:Trypanosoma brucei brucei / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics
C406750:EP procyclin protein, Trypanosoma brucei; C406751:GPEET protein, Trypanosoma brucei; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D055372:AMP-Activated Protein Kinases