Alternative RNA editing produces a novel protein involved in mitochondrial DNA maintenance in trypanosomes.

The mitochondrial genome of trypanosomes is composed of thousands of topologically interlocked circular DNA molecules that form the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). Most genes encoded by the kDNA require a posttranscriptional modification process called RNA editing to form functional mRNAs. Here, we show that alternative editing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase III (COXIII) mRNA in Trypanosoma brucei produces a novel DNA binding protein, alternatively edited protein 1 (AEP-1). AEP-1 localizes to the region of the cell between the kDNA and the flagellum and purifies with the tripartite attachment complex, a structure believed to physically link the kDNA and flagellar basal bodies. Expression of the DNA binding domain of AEP-1 results in aberrant kDNA structure and reduced cell growth, indicating that AEP-1 is involved in the maintenance of the kDNA. Perhaps most important, our studies show a gain of function through an alternatively edited mRNA and, for the first time, provide a link between the unusual structure of the kDNA and RNA editing in trypanosome mitochondria.

Protein phosphatase 5 is required for Hsp90 function during proteotoxic stresses in Trypanosoma brucei.

Trypanosoma brucei, a parasitic protozoan that causes African trypanosomiasis in human and domestic animals, adapt in various environments during their digenetic life cycle. In this study, we found that Hsp90 is crucial for the survival of this parasite. Inhibition of Hsp90 activity by geldanamycin (GA) reduced cell growth and increased the level of Hsp90. Both the bloodstream and procyclic forms of T. brucei showed a several-fold greater sensitivity than the mammalian cells to GA and also to 17-AAG, a less toxic derivative of GA, suggesting that Hsp90 could be a potential chemotherapeuric target for African trypanosomiasis. T. brucei Hsp90 interacts with the protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) in vivo. Under normal growth conditions, T. brucei PP5 (TbPP5) and Hsp90 are primarily localized in the cytosol. However, with increase in growth temperature and GA treatment, these proteins translocate to the nucleus. Overproduction of TbPP5 by genetic manipulation reduced the growth inhibitory effect of GA, while knockdown of TbPP5 reduced cell growth more in the presence of GA, as compared to parental control. Depletion of TbPP5, however, did not prevent the induction of Hsp90 protein level during GA treatment. Together, these results suggest that TbPP5 positively regulates the function of Hsp90 to maintain cellular homeostasis during proteotoxic stresses in T. brucei.

Novel inhibitors of the trypanosome alternative oxidase inhibit Trypanosoma brucei brucei growth and respiration.

African trypanosomiasis is a deadly disease for which few chemotherapeutic options are available. The causative agents, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and T. b. gambiense, utilize a non-cytochrome, alternative oxidase (AOX) for their cellular respiration. The absence of this enzyme in mammalian cells makes it a logical target for therapeutic agents. We designed three novel compounds, ACB41, ACD15, and ACD16, and investigated their effects on trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO) enzymatic activity, parasite respiration, and parasite growth in vitro. All three compounds contain a 2-hydroxybenzoic acid moiety, analogous to that present in SHAM, and a prenyl side chain similar to that found in ubiquinol. ACD15 and ACD16 are further differentiated by the presence of a solubility-enhancing carbohydrate moiety. Kinetic studies with purified TAO show that all three compounds competitively inhibit TAO, and two compounds, ACB41 and ACD15, have inhibition constants five- and three-fold more potent than SHAM, respectively. All three compounds inhibited the respiration and growth of continuously cultured T. b. brucei bloodstream cells in a dose-dependent manner. None of the compounds interfered with respiration of rat liver mitochondria, nor did they inhibit the growth of a continuously cultured mammalian cell line. Collectively, the results suggest we have identified a new class of compounds that are inhibitors of TAO, have trypanocidal properties in vitro, and warrant further investigation in vivo.

Functional characterization of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 5 from Trypanosoma brucei.

PP5 is a member of the PPP family of serine/threonine protein phosphatases and is present in all eukaryotes. We previously cloned and characterized a PP5 homologue from Trypanosoma brucei. Here, we synchronized the T. brucei procyclic form by hydroxyurea treatment and showed that TbPP5 expression is regulated during cell cycle progression. TbPP5 transcript and protein levels were maximal in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and reduced about 3-fold in the G2/M phase. To further evaluate its function, TbPP5 expression was depleted in both procyclic and bloodstream forms of T. brucei by RNA interference. In the procyclic form, TbPP5 knockdown resulted in a moderate reduction in cell growth. However, in the bloodstream form, ablation of TbPP5 caused an 8-fold decrease in cell growth. Furthermore, TbPP5 overexpression conferred the ability of procyclic cells to grow in serum-deprived conditions suggesting that TbPP5 acts downstream of serum factor-induced growth in T. brucei. Taken together; these findings suggest that a serum factor (or factors) induces up-regulation of TbPP5 expression during the G1 phase, which is required for proper cell growth.