biostudies-literaturePyrih JGrantová Agentura České RepublikyAgentúra na Podporu Výskumu a VývojaEuropean Research CouncilERD fundsAgentúra Ministerstva Školstva, Vedy, Výskumu a Športu SRe0234918https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7314023biostudies-literatureUnknown15(6)ZapE/Afg1 is a component of the inner cell membrane of some eubacteria and the inner mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotes. This protein is involved in FtsZ-dependent division of eubacteria. In the yeast and human mitochondrion, ZapE/Afg1 likely interacts with Oxa1 and facilitates the degradation of mitochondrion-encoded subunits of respiratory complexes. Furthermore, the depletion of ZapE increases resistance to apoptosis, decreases oxidative stress tolerance, and impacts mitochondrial protein homeostasis. It remains unclear whether ZapE is a multifunctional protein, or whether some of the described effects are just secondary phenotypes. Here, we have analyzed the functions of ZapE in Trypanosoma brucei, a parasitic protist, and an important model organism. Using a newly developed proximitPloS oneZapE/Afg1 interacts with Oxa1 and its depletion causes a multifaceted phenotype.PMC7314023LL1601OPVVV 00007591/0387/1718-18699SAPVV-0286-1218-15962SPanek TPyrih JRaskova VSkodova-Sverakova ILukes JfalseZapE/Afg1 interacts with Oxa1 and its depletion causes a multifaceted phenotype.ZapE/Afg1 is a component of the inner cell membrane of some eubacteria and the inner mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotes. This protein is involved in FtsZ-dependent division of eubacteria. In the yeast and human mitochondrion, ZapE/Afg1 likely interacts with Oxa1 and facilitates the degradation of mitochondrion-encoded subunits of respiratory complexes. Furthermore, the depletion of ZapE increases resistance to apoptosis, decreases oxidative stress tolerance, and impacts mitochondrial protein homeostasis. It remains unclear whether ZapE is a multifunctional protein, or whether some of the described effects are just secondary phenotypes. Here, we have analyzed the functions of ZapE in Trypanosoma brucei, a parasitic protist, and an important model organism. Using a newly developed proximit2020-01-01T00:00:00Z20202026-05-02T18:30:22.176Z2020-07-03T07:05:50ZS-EPMC73140233257960510.1371/journal.pone.0234918