A dynamic coordination of flagellum and cytoplasmic cytoskeleton assembly specifies cell morphogenesis in trypanosomes

Journal of Cell Science
Jack SunterK Gull

Abstract

Plasma membrane-to-plasma membrane connections are common features of eukaryotic cells, with cytoskeletal frameworks below the respective membranes underpinning these connections. A defining feature of Trypanosoma brucei is the lateral attachment of its single flagellum to the cell body, which is mediated by a cytoskeletal structure called the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ). The FAZ is a key morphogenetic structure. Disruption of FAZ assembly can lead to flagellum detachment and dramatic changes in cell shape. To understand this complex structure, the identity of more of its constituent proteins is required. Here, we have used both proteomics and bioinformatics to identify eight new FAZ proteins. Using inducible expression of FAZ proteins tagged with eYFP we demonstrate that the site of FAZ assembly is close to the flagellar pocket at the proximal end of the FAZ. This contrasts with the flagellum, which is assembled at its distal end; hence, these two interconnected cytoskeletal structures have distinct spatially separated assembly sites. This challenging result has many implications for understanding the process of cell morphogenesis and interpreting mutant phenotypes.

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Citations

Jan 19, 2016·Trends in Parasitology·Jack D Sunter, Keith Gull
Nov 3, 2015·Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology·Timothy Krüger, Markus Engstler
Mar 8, 2016·Cells·Doranda PerdomoDerrick R Robinson
Aug 9, 2016·Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology·Michael R McAllasterChristopher L de Graffenried
Oct 26, 2016·Scientific Reports·Zdenka CicovaChristian J Janzen
Jan 29, 2016·PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases·Johanna L HöögKeith Gull
May 22, 2018·Molecular Microbiology·Nicholas A HiltonChristopher L de Graffenried
Mar 10, 2019·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Jack D SunterKeith Gull
Oct 11, 2017·Journal of Cell Science·Amy N Sinclair-DavisChristopher L de Graffenried
Nov 18, 2017·Biology of the Cell·Laetitia VincensiniPhilippe Bastin
Jun 13, 2018·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Stella Y SunCynthia Y He
Apr 3, 2020·Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR·Felice D KellyScott M Landfear
Jul 21, 2017·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Vladimir VargaKeith Gull
Sep 11, 2019·Annual Review of Microbiology·Richard J WheelerJack D Sunter
Aug 16, 2015·Biology Open·Mauro SerricchioPeter Bütikofer

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
immunoprecipitation
flow cytometry
transfections
PCR

Software Mentioned

BLAST
BLASTP
Micromanager
RADAR

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African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is an insect-borne parasitic disease of humans and other animals. It is caused by protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei and almost invariably progresses to death unless treated. Discover the latest research on African trypanosomiasis here.