| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Lander, Noelia
;
Chiurillo, Miguel A.
;
Bertolini, Mayara S.
;
Docampo, Roberto
;
Vercesi, Anibal E.
Total Authors: 5
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Cell Biology International; v. 42, n. 6, p. 8-pg., 2018-06-01. |
| Abstract | |
The presence of a conserved mechanism for mitochondrial calcium uptake in trypanosomatids was crucial for the molecular identification of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), a long-sought channel present in most eukaryotic organisms. Since then, research efforts to elucidate the role of MCU and its regulatory elements in different biological models have multiplied. MCU is the pore-forming subunit of a multimeric complex (the MCU complex or MCUC) and its predicted structure in trypanosomes is simpler than in mammalian cells, lacking two of its subunits and probably possessing other unidentified components. MCU protein has been characterized in Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agents of African and American trypanosomiasis, respectively. Contrary to its mammalian homolog, TbMCU was found to be essential for cell growth and survival, while its paralog MCUb is an essential protein in T. cruzi. These findings could be further exploited for chemotherapeutic purposes. The emergence of new molecular tools for the genetic manipulation of trypanosomatids has been determinant for the functional characterization of the MCUC components in these organisms. However, further research has to be done to determine the role of each component in intracellular calcium signaling and cell bioenergetics. In this mini-review we summarize the original results on mitochondrial calcium uptake in trypanosomes, how did they contribute to the molecular identification of the MCU, and the functional characterization of the MCUC subunits that has so far been studied in these peculiar eukaryotes. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 14/08995-4 - Calcium signaling in trypanosomatids |
| Grantee: | Noelia Marina Lander Manfredi |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |
| FAPESP's process: | 13/50624-0 - Calcium signaling in trypanosomatids |
| Grantee: | Roberto Docampo |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - SPEC Program |
| FAPESP's process: | 15/25709-8 - Functional study of MICU1 and MICU2 proteins involved in Trypanosoma cruzi calcium signaling |
| Grantee: | Mayara Santos Bertolini |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |
| FAPESP's process: | 14/13148-9 - Calcium signaling in trypanosomatids |
| Grantee: | Miguel Angel Chiurillo Siervo |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |