A Leishmania amazonensis ZIP family iron transporter is essential for parasite replication within macrophage phagolysosomes.

ABSTRACT: Infection of mammalian hosts with Leishmania amazonensis depends on the remarkable ability of these parasites to replicate within macrophage phagolysosomes. A critical adaptation for survival in this harsh environment is an efficient mechanism for gaining access to iron. In this study, we identify and characterize LIT1, a novel L. amazonensis membrane protein with extensive similarity to IRT1, a ZIP family ferrous iron transporter from Arabidopsis thaliana. The ability of LIT1 to promote iron transport was demonstrated after expression in yeast and in L. amazonensis LIT1-null amastigotes. Endogenous LIT1 was only detectable in amastigotes replicating intracellularly, and its intracellular expression was accelerated under conditions predicted to result in iron deprivation. Although L. amazo

SUBMITTER: Huynh C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2118100 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature