Trypanosoma brucei FKBP12 differentially controls motility and cytokinesis in procyclic and bloodstream forms

Eukaryot Cell. 2013 Feb;12(2):168-81. doi: 10.1128/EC.00077-12. Epub 2012 Oct 26.

Abstract

FKBP12 proteins are able to inhibit TOR kinases or calcineurin phosphatases upon binding of rapamycin or FK506 drugs, respectively. The Trypanosoma brucei FKBP12 homologue (TbFKBP12) was found to be a cytoskeleton-associated protein with specific localization in the flagellar pocket area of the bloodstream form. In the insect procyclic form, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of TbFKBP12 affected motility. In bloodstream cells, depletion of TbFKBP12 affected cytokinesis and cytoskeleton architecture. These last effects were associated with the presence of internal translucent cavities limited by an inside-out configuration of the normal cell surface, with a luminal variant surface glycoprotein coat lined up by microtubules. These cavities, which recreated the streamlined shape of the normal trypanosome cytoskeleton, might represent unsuccessful attempts for cell abscission. We propose that TbFKBP12 differentially affects stage-specific processes through association with the cytoskeleton.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Movement
  • Cytokinesis*
  • DNA, Kinetoplast / metabolism
  • DNA, Protozoan / metabolism
  • Flagella / metabolism
  • Flagella / ultrastructure
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Protein Transport
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / physiology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Tacrolimus Binding Protein 1A / genetics
  • Tacrolimus Binding Protein 1A / metabolism*
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / enzymology*
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / growth & development
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / ultrastructure

Substances

  • DNA, Kinetoplast
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Tacrolimus Binding Protein 1A