TcNST2 encodes a Golgi-localized UDP-galactose transporter in Trypanosoma cruzi. Issue 11 (21st June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodrigues, Elizabeth C.; Mörking, Patricia; Rosa, Jaqueline O.; Romagnoli, Bruno A. A.; Guimarães, Beatriz G.; Hiraiwa, Priscila M.; Klinke, Amanda; de Aguiar, Alessandra M.; Kuligovski, Crisciele; Goldenberg, Samuel; Ramos, Augusto S. P.
• Is Part Of: Parasitology. Volume 146:Issue 11(2019)
• Page Start: 1379
• Page End: 1386
• Publication Date: 2019-06-21
• Subjects: Glycoconjugate, -- nucleotide sugar, -- transporter, -- trypanosomatids; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.96
• DOI: 10.1017/S0031182019000738
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-1820

Abstract

Abstract: Survival and infectivity of trypanosomatids rely on cell-surface and secreted glycoconjugates, many of which contain a variable number of galactose residues. Incorporation of galactose to proteins and lipids occurs along the secretory pathway from UDP-galactose (UDP-Gal). Before being used in glycosylation reactions, however, this activated sugar donor must first be transported across the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi membranes by a specific nucleotide sugar transporter (NST). In this study, we identified an UDP-Gal transporter (named TcNST2 and encoded by the TcCLB.504085.60 gene) from Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. TcNST2 was identified by heterologous expression of selected putative nucleotide sugar transporters in a mutant Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line. TcNST2 mRNA levels were detected in all T. cruzi life-cycle forms, with an increase in expression in axenic amastigotes. Confocal microscope analysis indicated that the transporter is specifically localized to the Golgi apparatus. A three-dimensional model of TcNST2 suggested an overall structural conservation as compared with members of the metabolite transporter superfamily and also suggested specific features that could be related to its activity. The identification of this transporter is an important step toward a better understanding of glycoconjugate biosynthesis and the role NSTs play in this process in trypanosomatids.