TcRho1 of Trypanosoma cruzi: role in metacyclogenesis and cellular localization

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Oct 22;323(3):1009-16. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.08.197.

Abstract

Here we have investigated the function of TcRho1, a Rho family orthologue from the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We have selected parasites overexpressing wild-type TcRho1 and a truncated form of TcRho1 (TcRho1-DeltaCaaX) which is unable to undergo farnesylation and supposed to interfere with recruitment of Rho effectors to membranes. TcRho1 protein was localized at the anterior region of wild-type and TcRho1 overexpressing epimastigotes, suggesting association with the Golgi apparatus. Accordingly, parasites overexpressing TcRho1-DeltaCaaX presented cytoplasmic fluorescence. To address the function of TcRho1 during differentiation, from epimastigotes to trypomastigotes, we submitted parasites overexpressing the above-cited lineages to metacyclogenesis assays. Parasites overexpressing TcRho1-DeltaCaaX generated a discrete number of metacyclic trypomastigotes when compared with other lineages. Strikingly, TcRho1-DeltaCaaX cells died synchronously during the process of metacyclogenesis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / physiology*
  • Life Cycle Stages*
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Subcellular Fractions / enzymology*
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / cytology
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / enzymology*
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / growth & development*
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Rho1 protein, Trypanosoma cruzi
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins