A novel mechanosensitive channel controls osmoregulation, differentiation, and infectivity in Trypanosoma cruzi.

ABSTRACT: The causative agent of Chagas disease undergoes drastic morphological and biochemical modifications as it passes between hosts and transitions from extracellular to intracellular stages. The osmotic and mechanical aspects of these cellular transformations are not understood. Here we identify and characterize a novel mechanosensitive channel in Trypanosoma cruzi (TcMscS) belonging to the superfamily of small-conductance mechanosensitive channels (MscS). TcMscS is activated by membrane tension and forms a large pore permeable to anions, cations, and small osmolytes. The channel changes its location from the contractile vacuole complex in epimastigotes to the plasma membrane as the parasites develop into intracellular amastigotes. TcMscS knockout parasites show significant fitne

SUBMITTER: Dave N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8282336 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature