Pam16 and Pam18 were repurposed during Trypanosoma brucei evolution to regulate the replication of mitochondrial DNA.

ABSTRACT: Protein import and genome replication are essential processes for mitochondrial biogenesis and propagation. The J-domain proteins Pam16 and Pam18 regulate the presequence translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane. In the protozoan Trypanosoma brucei, their counterparts are TbPam16 and TbPam18, which are essential for the procyclic form (PCF) of the parasite, though not involved in mitochondrial protein import. Here, we show that during evolution, the 2 proteins have been repurposed to regulate the replication of maxicircles within the intricate kDNA network, the most complex mitochondrial genome known. TbPam18 and TbPam16 have inactive J-domains suggesting a function independent of heat shock proteins. However, their single transmembrane domain is essential for function. Pulldown of

SUBMITTER: von Kanel C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11349236 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature