Role of Tob55 on mitochondrial protein biogenesis in Trypanosoma brucei.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) proteins in parasitic protozoa like Trypanosoma brucei are poorly characterized. In fungi and higher eukaryotes, Tob55 is responsible for the assembly of β-barrel proteins in the MOM. Here we show that T. brucei Tob55 (TbTob55) has considerable similarity in its primary and secondary structure to Tob55 from other species. TbTob55 is localized in T. brucei MOM and is essential for procyclic cell survival. Induction of Tob55 RNAi decreased the level of the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) within 48 h. Although the primary effect is on VDAC, induction of TbTob55 RNAi for 96 h or more also decreased the levels of other nucleus encoded mitochondrial proteins. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced at this later time point possibly

SUBMITTER: Sharma S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2951503 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature