SUMOylation of paraflagellar rod protein, PFR1, and its stage-specific localization in Trypanosoma cruzi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The flagellate protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, is a causative agent of Chagas disease that is transmitted by reduviid bugs to humans. The parasite exists in multiple morphological forms in both vector and host, and cell differentiation in T. cruzi is tightly associated with stage-specific protein synthesis and degradation. However, the specific molecular mechanisms responsible for this coordinated cell differentiation are unclear.

Methodology/principal findings

The SUMO conjugation system plays an important role in specific protein expression. In T. cruzi, a subset of SUMOlylated protein candidates and the nuclear localization of SUMO have been shown. Here, we examined the biological roles of SUMO in T. cruzi. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis of SUMO cons

SUBMITTER: Annoura T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3355114 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature