Trypanosomatid essential metabolic pathway: new approaches about heme fate in Trypanosoma cruzi.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun
; 449(2): 216-21, 2014 Jun 27.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24824181
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, has a complex life cycle and depends on hosts for its nutritional needs. Our group has investigated heme (Fe-protoporphyrin IX) internalization and the effects on parasite growth, following the fate of this porphyrin in the parasite. Here, we show that epimastigotes cultivated with heme yielded the compounds α-meso-hydroxyheme, verdoheme and biliverdin (as determined by HPLC), suggesting an active heme degradation pathway in this parasite. Furthermore, through immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting assays of epimastigote extracts, we observed recognition by an antibody against mammalian HO-1. We also detected the localization of the HO-1-like protein in the parasite using immunocytochemistry, with antibody staining primarily in the cytoplasm. Although HO has not been described in the parasite's genome, our results offer new insights into heme metabolism in T. cruzi, revealing potential future therapeutic targets.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Trypanosoma cruzi
/
Hemo
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Biochem Biophys Res Commun
Año:
2014
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Brasil
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos