Evolution, dynamics and specialized functions of glycosomes in metabolism and development of trypanosomatids

Balazs Szoor, Jurgen R. Haanstra, Melisa Gualdrón-López, Paul A M Michels*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Kinetoplastea such as trypanosomatid parasites contain specialized peroxisomes that uniquely contain enzymes of the glycolytic pathway and other parts of intermediary metabolism and hence are called glycosomes. Their specific enzyme content can vary strongly, quantitatively and qualitatively, between different species and during the parasites' life cycle. The correct sequestering of enzymes has great importance for the regulation of the trypanosomatids' metabolism and can, dependent on environmental conditions, even be essential. Glycosomes also play a pivotal role in life-cycle regulation of Trypanosoma brucei, as the translocation of a protein phosphatase from the cytosol forms part of a crucial developmental control switch. Many glycosomal proteins are differentially phosphorylated in different life-cycle stages, possibly indicative for unique forms of activity regulation, whereas many kinetic activity regulation mechanisms common for glycolytic enzymes are absent in these organisms. Glycosome turnover occurs by autophagic degradation of redundant organelles and assembly of new ones. This may provide the trypanosomatids with a manner to rapidly and efficiently adapt their metabolism to the sudden, major nutritional changes often encountered during the life cycle. This could also have helped facilitating successful adaptation of kinetoplastids, at multiple occasions during evolution, to their parasitic life style.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-87
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Opinion in Microbiology
Volume22
Early online date14 Oct 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2014

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Life Cycle Stages/physiology
  • Microbodies/metabolism
  • Trypanosomatina/genetics

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