Glycosome biogenesis
Glycosomal matrix proteins are synthesized in the cytosol
and imported post-translationally into the organelle. The
translocation of these matrix proteins across the peroxisomal
membrane involves a variety of proteins called peroxins.
Interference with the expression of these peroxins using
RNAi has been shown to lead to growth arrest and the dead
of the parasites. This underlines the importance of a properly
compartmentalised glycolytic pathway for the trypanosome.
Inhibitors interfering with peroxin interactions in trypanosomatids
should therefore prevent the synthesis of functional glycosomes
and kill the parasites.
Glycosome degradation
During differentiation from one life-cycle stage to another,
old preexisting glycosomes do turnover by their specific
degradation by a process called pexophagy. Biosynthesis
of a new class of glycosomes, which are better adapted to
the changed environment of the parasite takes place at the
same time. Several proteins involved in the specific degradation
of glycosomes by pexophagy have been identified and are
being characterized.
People involved in the subject:
-
Nathalie Galland
- Emilie Verstraeten
- Ana Brennand
- Melisa gualdron
-
Véronique Hannaert
- Paul Michels
uclouvain.be>