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Sinclair AN, Huynh CT, Sladewski TE, Zuromski JL, Ruiz AE, de Graffenried CL. The Trypanosoma brucei subpellicular microtubule array is organized into functionally discrete subdomains defined by microtubule associated proteins. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009588. [PMID: 34010336 PMCID: PMC8168904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are inherently dynamic cytoskeletal polymers whose length and organization can be altered to perform essential functions in eukaryotic cells, such as providing tracks for intracellular trafficking and forming the mitotic spindle. Microtubules can be bundled to create more stable structures that collectively propagate force, such as in the flagellar axoneme, which provides motility. The subpellicular microtubule array of the protist parasite Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness, is a remarkable example of a highly specialized microtubule bundle. It is comprised of a single layer of microtubules that are crosslinked to each other and to the overlying plasma membrane. The array microtubules appear to be highly stable and remain intact throughout the cell cycle, but very little is known about the pathways that tune microtubule properties in trypanosomatids. Here, we show that the subpellicular microtubule array is organized into subdomains that consist of differentially localized array-associated proteins at the array posterior, middle, and anterior. The array-associated protein PAVE1 stabilizes array microtubules at the cell posterior and is essential for maintaining its tapered shape. PAVE1 and the newly identified protein PAVE2 form a complex that binds directly to the microtubule lattice, demonstrating that they are a true kinetoplastid-specific MAP. TbAIR9, which localizes to the entirety of the subpellicular array, is necessary for maintaining the localization of array-associated proteins within their respective subdomains of the array. The arrangement of proteins within the array likely tunes the local properties of array microtubules and creates the asymmetric shape of the cell, which is essential for parasite viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N. Sinclair
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Christine T. Huynh
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Thomas E. Sladewski
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Jenna L. Zuromski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for International Health Research, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Amanda E. Ruiz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for International Health Research, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Christopher L. de Graffenried
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Sinclair AN, de Graffenried CL. More than Microtubules: The Structure and Function of the Subpellicular Array in Trypanosomatids. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:760-777. [PMID: 31471215 PMCID: PMC6783356 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The subpellicular microtubule array defines the wide range of cellular morphologies found in parasitic kinetoplastids (trypanosomatids). Morphological studies have characterized array organization, but little progress has been made towards identifying the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for array differentiation during the trypanosomatid life cycle, or the apparent stability and longevity of array microtubules. In this review, we outline what is known about the structure and biogenesis of the array, with emphasis on Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania, which cause life-threatening diseases in humans and livestock. We highlight unanswered questions about this remarkable cellular structure that merit new consideration in light of our recently improved understanding of how the 'tubulin code' influences microtubule dynamics to generate complex cellular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N Sinclair
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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Dacheux D, Landrein N, Thonnus M, Gilbert G, Sahin A, Wodrich H, Robinson DR, Bonhivers M. A MAP6-related protein is present in protozoa and is involved in flagellum motility. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31344. [PMID: 22355359 PMCID: PMC3280300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates the microtubule-associated proteins MAP6 and MAP6d1 stabilize cold-resistant microtubules. Cilia and flagella have cold-stable microtubules but MAP6 proteins have not been identified in these organelles. Here, we describe TbSAXO as the first MAP6-related protein to be identified in a protozoan, Trypanosoma brucei. Using a heterologous expression system, we show that TbSAXO is a microtubule stabilizing protein. Furthermore we identify the domains of the protein responsible for microtubule binding and stabilizing and show that they share homologies with the microtubule-stabilizing Mn domains of the MAP6 proteins. We demonstrate, in the flagellated parasite, that TbSAXO is an axonemal protein that plays a role in flagellum motility. Lastly we provide evidence that TbSAXO belongs to a group of MAP6-related proteins (SAXO proteins) present only in ciliated or flagellated organisms ranging from protozoa to mammals. We discuss the potential roles of the SAXO proteins in cilia and flagella function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Dacheux
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Institut Polytechnique de Bordeaux, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nicolas Landrein
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Magali Thonnus
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Guillaume Gilbert
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Annelise Sahin
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Harald Wodrich
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Derrick R. Robinson
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mélanie Bonhivers
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
- * E-mail:
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Cytokinesis in bloodstream stage Trypanosoma brucei requires a family of katanins and spastin. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30367. [PMID: 22279588 PMCID: PMC3261199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule severing enzymes regulate microtubule dynamics in a wide range of organisms and are implicated in important cell cycle processes such as mitotic spindle assembly and disassembly, chromosome movement and cytokinesis. Here we explore the function of several microtubule severing enzyme homologues, the katanins (KAT80, KAT60a, KAT60b and KAT60c), spastin (SPA) and fidgetin (FID) in the bloodstream stage of the African trypanosome parasite, Trypanosoma brucei. The trypanosome cytoskeleton is microtubule based and remains assembled throughout the cell cycle, necessitating its remodelling during cytokinesis. Using RNA interference to deplete individual proteins, we show that the trypanosome katanin and spastin homologues are non-redundant and essential for bloodstream form proliferation. Further, cell cycle analysis revealed that these proteins play essential but discrete roles in cytokinesis. The KAT60 proteins each appear to be important during the early stages of cytokinesis, while downregulation of KAT80 specifically inhibited furrow ingression and SPA depletion prevented completion of abscission. In contrast, RNA interference of FID did not result in any discernible effects. We propose that the stable microtubule cytoskeleton of T. brucei necessitates the coordinated action of a family of katanins and spastin to bring about the cytoskeletal remodelling necessary to complete cell division.
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Zhou Q, Liu B, Sun Y, He CY. A coiled-coil- and C2-domain-containing protein is required for FAZ assembly and cell morphology in Trypanosoma brucei. J Cell Sci 2011; 124:3848-58. [PMID: 22114307 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.087676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei, a flagellated protozoan parasite causing human sleeping sickness, relies on a subpellicular microtubule array for maintenance of cell morphology. The flagellum is attached to the cell body through a poorly understood flagellum attachment zone (FAZ), and regulates cell morphogenesis using an unknown mechanism. Here we identified a new FAZ component, CC2D, which contains coiled-coil motifs followed by a C-terminal C2 domain. T. brucei CC2D is present on the FAZ filament, FAZ-juxtaposed ER membrane and the basal bodies. Depletion of CC2D inhibits the assembly of a new FAZ filament, forming a FAZ stub with a relatively fixed size at the base of a detached, but otherwise normal, flagellum. Inhibition of new FAZ formation perturbs subpellicular microtubule organization and generates short daughter cells. The cell length shows a strong linear correlation with FAZ length, in both control cells and in cells with inhibited FAZ assembly. Together, our data support a direct function of FAZ assembly in determining new daughter cell length by regulating subpellicular microtubule synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
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Wolff J. Plasma membrane tubulin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2009; 1788:1415-33. [PMID: 19328773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2009.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/19/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The association of tubulin with the plasma membrane comprises multiple levels of penetration into the bilayer: from integral membrane protein, to attachment via palmitoylation, to surface binding, and to microtubules attached by linker proteins to proteins in the membrane. Here we discuss the soundness and weaknesses of the chemical and biochemical evidence marshaled to support these associations, as well as the mechanisms by which tubulin or microtubules may regulate functions at the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wolff
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Rasooly R, Balaban N. Trypanosome microtubule-associated protein p15 as a vaccine for the prevention of African sleeping sickness. Vaccine 2004; 22:1007-15. [PMID: 15161078 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2003.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2003] [Revised: 07/10/2003] [Accepted: 08/25/2003] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomes cause African sleeping sickness, affecting millions of humans and animals. We tested trypanosome microtubule-associate protein (MAP p15) as a vaccine in mice, and show that p15 (native or recombinant) generated up to 100% protection from an otherwise lethal challenge of a heterologous strain of Trypanosoma brucei. We also tested the adenovirus as a vaccine delivery system and show that both adenoviral vector containing p15 gene or control adenovirus containing lacZ gene generated a protective response and exhibited strong CD8+ T-cell proliferation. These results suggest that the p15 protein itself is an effective vaccine and that the adenovirus may be used to mount a non-specific cellular immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuven Rasooly
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Meyer Hall, Room 3135, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Vedrenne C, Giroud C, Robinson DR, Besteiro S, Bosc C, Bringaud F, Baltz T. Two related subpellicular cytoskeleton-associated proteins in Trypanosoma brucei stabilize microtubules. Mol Biol Cell 2002; 13:1058-70. [PMID: 11907282 PMCID: PMC99619 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.01-06-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The subpellicular microtubules of the trypanosome cytoskeleton are cross-linked to each other and the plasma membrane, creating a cage-like structure. We have isolated, from Trypanosoma brucei, two related low-molecular-weight cytoskeleton-associated proteins (15- and 17-kDa), called CAP15 and CAP17, which are differentially expressed during the life cycle. Immunolabeling shows a corset-like colocalization of both CAPs and tubulin. Western blot and electron microscope analyses show CAP15 and CAP17 labeling on detergent-extracted cytoskeletons. However, the localization of both proteins is restricted to the anterior, microtubule minus, and less dynamic half of the corset. CAP15 and CAP17 share properties of microtubule-associated proteins when expressed in heterologous cells (Chinese hamster ovary and HeLa), colocalization with their microtubules, induction of microtubule bundle formation, cold resistance, and insensitivity to nocodazole. When overexpressed in T. brucei, both CAP15 and CAP17 cover the whole subpellicular corset and induce morphological disorders, cell cycle-based abnormalities, and subsequent asymmetric cytokinesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Vedrenne
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Moléculaire, Université Victor Segalen de Bordeaux II, Unité Mixte Recherche-5016 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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Hill KL, Hutchings NR, Grandgenett PM, Donelson JE. T lymphocyte-triggering factor of african trypanosomes is associated with the flagellar fraction of the cytoskeleton and represents a new family of proteins that are present in several divergent eukaryotes. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:39369-78. [PMID: 10969087 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m006907200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The trypanosome cytoskeleton consists almost entirely of microtubule-based structures. Although alpha- and beta-tubulin from Trypanosoma brucei have been well characterized, much less is known about other cytoskeleton-associated proteins in trypanosomes. Using biochemical fractionation, we demonstrate here that T lymphocyte-triggering factor (TLTF) from T. brucei is a component of the detergent-resistant and Ca(2+)-resistant fraction of the parasite cytoskeleton. This fraction contains the flagellar apparatus and a subset of cytoskeletal protein complexes that together function in cell motility, cytokinesis, and organelle inheritance. We also show that TLTF-related genes are present in several highly divergent eukaryotic organisms. Although the function of the corresponding proteins is not known, the mammalian TLTF-like gene (GAS11; growth arrest-specific gene 11) is up-regulated in growth-arrested cells and is a candidate tumor suppressor (Whitmore, S. A., Settasatian, C., Crawford, J., Lower, K. M., McCallum, B., Seshadri, R., Cornelisse, C. J., Moerland, E. W., Cleton-Jansen, A. M., Tipping, A. J., Mathew, C. G., Savnio, M., Savoia, A., Verlander, P., Auerbach, A. D., Van Berkel, C., Pronk, J. C., Doggett, N. A., and Callen, D. F. (1998) Genomics 52, 325-331), suggestive of a role in coordinating cytoskeleton activities. Consistent with this possibility, we show that the human GAS11 protein contains a 144-amino acid domain that co-localizes with microtubules when fused to the green fluorescent protein and expressed in mammalian cells. These findings suggest that TLTF represents a newly defined protein family, whose members contribute to cytoskeleton function in species as diverse as protozoa and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Hill
- Department of Biochemistry and Interdepartmental Genetics Ph.D. Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kohl
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
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Bouck GB, Ngô H. Cortical structure and function in euglenoids with reference to trypanosomes, ciliates, and dinoflagellates. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1996; 169:267-318. [PMID: 8843656 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)61988-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The membrane skeletal complex (cortex) of euglenoids generates and maintains cell form. In this review we summarize structural, biochemical, physiological, and molecular studies on the euglenoid membrane skeleton, focusing specifically on four principal components: the plasma membrane, a submembrane layer (epiplasm), cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, and microtubules. The data from euglenoids are compared with findings from representative organisms of three other protist groups: the trypanosomes, ciliates, and dinoflagellates. Although there are significant differences in cell form and phylogenetic affinities among these groups, there are also many similarities in the organization and possibly the function of their cortical components. For example, an epiplasmic (membrane skeletal) layer is widely used for adding strength and rigidity to the cell surface. The ER/alveolus/amphiesmal vesicle may function in calcium storage and regulation, and in mediating assembly of surface plates. GPI-linked variable surface antigens are characteristic of both ciliates and the unrelated trypanosomatids. Microtubules are ubiquitous, and cortices in trypanosomes may relay exclusively on microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins for maintaining cell form. Also, in agreement with previous suggestions, there is an apparent preservation of many cortical structures during cell duplication. In three of the four groups there is convincing evidence that part or all of the parental cortex persists during cytokinesis, thereby producing mosaics or chimeras consisting of both inherited and newly synthesized cortical components.
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Affiliation(s)
- G B Bouck
- Department of Biological Sciences (M/C 066), University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
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Zhang J, MacRae T. Nucleotide dependence and cytoplasmic localization of a 49-kDa microtubule cross-linking protein from the brine shrimp, Artemia. J Biol Chem 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)42046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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MacRae TH. Microtubule organization by cross-linking and bundling proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1992; 1160:145-55. [PMID: 1445941 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4838(92)90001-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
To understand microtubule function the factors regulating their spatial organization and their interaction with cellular organelles, including other microtubules, must be elucidated. Many proteins are implicated in these organizational events and the known consequences of their actions within the cell are increasing. For example, the function of microtubule bundles at the surfaces of polarized cells has recently received attention, as has the action in cortical rotation of a transient arrangement of microtubules found beneath the vegetal surface of fertilized frog eggs. The in vivo association of microtubules during early Xenopus oogenesis has added interest as microtubules bundled in cell-free extracts are protected against the action of a severing protein found in this animal. A 52 kDa F-actin bundling protein purified from Physarum polycephalum organizes microtubules and causes the cobundling of microtubules and microfilaments. These observations, in concert with others that are presented, emphasize the diversity within the family of microtubule cross-linking proteins. The challenge is to determine which proteins are relevant from a physiological perspective, to ascertain their molecular mechanisms of action and to describe how they affect cytoplasmic organization and cell function. To realize this objective, the proteins which cross-link and bundle microtubules must be investigated by techniques which reveal different but related aspects of their properties. Cloning and sequencing of genes for cross-linking proteins, their subcellular localization especially as microtubule-related changes in cell morphology are occurring and the application of genetic studies are necessary. Study of the neural MAP provides the best example of just how powerful current experimental approaches are and at the same time shows their limits. The neural MAP have long been noted for their enhancement of tubulin assembly and microtubule stability. Their spatial distribution has been studied during the morphogenesis of neural cells. Sequencing of cloned genes has revealed the functional domains of neural MAP including carboxy-terminal microtubule-binding sites. Similarities to microtubule binding proteins from other cell types stimulate interest in the neural MAP and further suggest their importance in microtubule organization. For example, MAP4 enjoys a wide cellular distribution and has microtubule-binding sequences very similar to those in the neural MAP. Moreover, the nontubulin proteins of marginal bands are immunologically related to neural MAP, indicating shared structural/functional domains. Even with these findings the mechanism by which neural MAP cross-link microtubules remains uncertain. Indeed, some researchers express doubt that microtubule cross-linking is actually a function of neural MAP in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- T H MacRae
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Balaban N, Goldman R. Isolation and characterization of a unique 15 kilodalton trypanosome subpellicular microtubule-associated protein. CELL MOTILITY AND THE CYTOSKELETON 1992; 21:138-46. [PMID: 1559265 DOI: 10.1002/cm.970210207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A protein of 15 kDa (p15) was isolated from Trypanosoma brucei subpellicular microtubules by tubulin affinity chromatography. The protein bound tubulin specifically both in its native form and after SDS-PAGE in tubulin overlay experiments. p15 promoted both the in vitro polymerization of purified calf brain tubulin and the bundling of preformed mammalian microtubules. Immunolabeling identified p15 at multiple sites along microtubule polymers comprising calf brain tubulin and p15 as well as on the subpellicular microtubules of cryosectioned trypanosomes. Antibodies directed against p15 did not cross react with mammalian microtubules. It is suggested that p15 is a trypanosome-specific microtubule-associated protein (MAP) that contributes to the unique organization of the subpellicular microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Balaban
- Department of Membrane Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Robinson D, Beattie P, Sherwin T, Gull K. Microtubules, tubulin, and microtubule-associated proteins of trypanosomes. Methods Enzymol 1991; 196:285-99. [PMID: 2034124 DOI: 10.1016/0076-6879(91)96027-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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17
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Balaban N, Goldman R. The association of glycosomal enzymes and microtubules: a physiological phenomenon or an experimental artifact? Exp Cell Res 1990; 191:219-26. [PMID: 1979542 DOI: 10.1016/0014-4827(90)90008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Subpellicular microtubules isolated from Trypanosoma brucei parasites were fractionated on a phosphocellulose column, and the trypanosomal p52 microtubule-associated protein was eluted along with two other proteins of 41 and 36 kDa. These proteins were found to be the glycosomal enzymes aldolase (41 kDa) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, 36 kDa) by enzyme activity, antibody cross-reaction, and N-terminal sequencing. These enzymes were coprecipitated with tubulin in the presence of taxol, and aldolase had the capacity to polymerize tubulin and crosslink microtubules. Immunolocalization of anti-aldolase and anti-GAPDH antibodies did not show an interaction between these enzymes and the subpellicular microtubules. The question whether the copurification of aldolase and the subpellicular microtubules could reflect a physiological phenomenon or may be an experimental artifact is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Balaban
- Department of Membrane Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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