Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yasuhiro Kurasawa, Kyu Joon Lee, Huiqing Hu, Kieu T. M. Pham, Ziyin Li
Summary: The study demonstrates that TbPLK and TbAUK1 phosphorylate the cytokinesis regulators CIF1 and CIF2 in Trypanosoma brucei. TbPLK interacts with CIF1 in S/G2 phases, maintaining its localization until early mitosis; TbAUK1 maintains CIF1 and CIF2 localization from late mitosis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Justin Y. Toh, Agathe Nkouawa, Saul Rojas Sanchez, Huafang Shi, Nikolay G. Kolev, Christian Tschudi
Summary: By targeting 86 transcripts through RNAi, 22 genes that positively or negatively regulate the progression towards infectivity in Trypanosoma brucei have been identified, including the previously unknown nucleic acid binding proteins CSD1 and CSD2. The study suggests a considerable overlap between the genes that regulate stumpy bloodstream form Trypanosoma and those that govern the development of metacyclic form parasites.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Desislava P. Staneva, Stefan Bresson, Tatsiana Auchynnikava, Christos Spanos, Juri Rappsilber, A. Arockia Jeyaprakash, David Tollervey, Keith R. Matthews, Robin C. Allshire
Summary: This study reveals the unique gene expression regulation mechanism in kinetoplastids, a highly divergent lineage of eukaryotes. The researchers identified a complex called SPARC, which consists of SET27 and CRD1, among other components, that is involved in establishing accurate promoter position and directionality.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Susanne Kramer, Natalia Katarzyna Karolak, Johanna Odenwald, Bernardo Gabiatti, Paula Andrea Castaneda Londono, Anna Zavrelova, Eden Ribeiro Freire, Kayo Schemiko Almeida, Silke Braune, Claudia Moreira, Amelie Eder, Carina Goos, Mark Field, Mark Carrington, Fabiola Holetz, Maria Wiktoria Gorna, Martin Zoltner
Summary: The removal of the mRNA 5' cap is essential for controlling gene expression in eukaryotes. Unlike other eukaryotes, kinetoplastida rely on a unique complex involving ALPH1, XRNA, and other proteins for decapping. This complex has a specific and dynamic localization at the posterior pole of the cell. This unique composition sets the trypanosome decapping complex apart from other eukaryotes.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kirsten J. Meyer, Theresa A. Shapiro
Summary: The study found that Hsp90 plays a central role as molecular chaperones in African trypanosomes, with unique functions in cell cycle regulation and kinetoplast DNA replication revealed through knockdown of cytosolic and mitochondrial Hsp90s.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samya S. Alenezi, Naif D. Alenezi, Godwin U. Ebiloma, Manal J. Natto, Marzuq A. Ungogo, John O. Igoli, Valerie A. Ferro, Alexander I. Gray, James Fearnley, Harry P. de Koning, David G. Watson
Summary: Propolis is a resin gathered by bees from plant exudates, and its composition depends on the nearby plants. It acts as an anti-infective and has anti-protozoal properties. Red Nigerian propolis was found to be highly active against Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense, and four isoflavonoids isolated from the propolis displayed high activity against the parasites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eelco C. Tromer, Thomas A. Wemyss, Patryk Ludzia, Ross F. Waller, Bungo Akiyoshi
Summary: This study demonstrates homology between axial element components of the synaptonemal complex and kinetoplastid kinetochore proteins, suggesting that the kinetoplastid kinetochore system evolved by repurposing meiotic components of chromosome synapsis. The identification of divergent orthologues in various eukaryotic supergroups provides insights into the evolutionary origin and history of these kinetochores, shedding light on the potential for new functional complexes to arise within this ancient eukaryotic gene family.
Review
Cell Biology
Michael A. Hadders, Susanne M. A. Lens
Summary: The Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC) is a crucial protein complex that regulates various processes during nuclear and cytoplasmic division. It is recruited to centromeres and kinetochores in early mitosis to ensure proper connection of duplicated chromosomes to microtubules. During anaphase, the CPC is relocated to the microtubule overlaps and equatorial cortex, requiring direct interactions with a kinesin-6 family member and inactivation of cyclin B-CDK1.
TRENDS IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisa Watson, Tanya N. Soliman, Khalil Davis, Joanna Kelly, Nicola Lockwood, Xiaoping Yang, Steven Lynham, John D. Scott, Victoria Crossland, Neil Q. McDonald, David J. Mann, Alan Armstrong, Ulrike Eggert, Peter J. Parker
Summary: The study elucidates the role of PKC-ε in exiting from the abscission checkpoint. Assembly of the 14-3-3 complex and phosphorylation of Aurora B S227 are directly linked to the activity-dependent enrichment of PKC-ε at the midbody, with 14-3-3 association shown to be unnecessary for PKC-ε control.
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew Cowton, Peter Butikofer, Robert Haner, Anant K. Menon
Summary: In this study, two subunits TbGPI14 and TbPBN1 of Trypanosoma brucei GPI-mannosyltransferase-I (GPI-MT-I) were identified as crucial for GPI synthesis and surface expression of GPI-anchored proteins, forming a higher-order complex through interaction. The heterodimeric architecture and species specificity within GPI-MT-I subunit associations were demonstrated with the failure of yeast Gpi14 to restore function in TbGPI14 knockout trypanosomes. The essential role of a trypanosome GPI-MT-I subcomponent indicates wide conservation of the unusual complex structure in glycosyltransferases.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Bibo Li, Yanxiang Zhao
Summary: Trypanosoma brucei regularly switches its major surface antigen to evade host immune response, with telomere and subtelomere structure integrity being crucial for its survival and pathogenesis. Telomere proteins TRF and RAP1, with unique nucleic acid binding activities, play key roles in VSG expression and switching. Targeting TbTRF and TbRAP1's nucleic acid binding activities may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy against T. brucei.
Article
Microbiology
Yasuhiro Kurasawa, Kyu Joon Lee, Ziyin Li
Summary: This study revealed the functional roles and interplay of structural motifs in the trypanosome-specific cytokinesis regulator CIF3, shedding light on the cooperative roles of cytokinesis regulators in promoting cytokinesis in Trypanosoma brucei.
Article
Cell Biology
Song Yang, Youguang Luo, Mulin Yang, Hua Ni, Hanxiao Yin, Ming Hu, Min Liu, Jun Zhou, Yunfan Yang, Dengwen Li
Summary: Src is a key player in cell division, migration, adhesion, and survival. Its overactivation in tumors promotes cancer cell survival and mitosis. Src is conserved across species and its inhibition leads to abnormal expression of chromosomal passenger complex components, resulting in multipolar spindle formation and cell division failure. The findings suggest that Src inhibitors can be used as a novel approach for cancer treatment.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Larson Boundenga, Illich Manfred Mombo, Mouinga-Ondeme Augustin, Ngoubangoye Barthelemy, Patrice Makouloutou Nzassi, Nancy D. Moukodoum, Virginie Rougeron, Franck Prugnolle
Summary: Human African Trypanosomiasis is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites. Domestic animals may serve as reservoirs for trypanosomes, including the species responsible for the disease, T. brucei gambiense.
Article
Biology
Kyu Joon Lee, Ziyin Li
Summary: This study identifies the CRK2-CYC13 complex as an S-phase regulator in T. brucei and reveals its role in regulating DNA replication through promoting the assembly of the Cdc45-Mcm2-7-GINS complex. The findings suggest that T. brucei may utilize unique mechanisms for DNA replication compared to other organisms, as it lacks many conserved DNA replication factors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ujwala Gosavi, Ankita Srivastava, Nitika Badjatia, Arthur Gunzl
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
K. Shanmugha Rajan, Yinzhou Zhu, Katerina Adler, Tirza Doniger, Smadar Cohen-Chalamish, Ankita Srivastava, Moran Shalev-Benami, Donna Matzov, Ron Unger, Christian Tschudi, Arthur Gunzl, Gordon G. Carmichael, Shulamit Michaeli
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richa Gupta, Yong Liu, Huanchen Wang, Christopher T. Nordyke, Ryan Z. Puterbaugh, Wenjun Cui, Krisztina Varga, Feixia Chu, Hengming Ke, Harish Vashisth, Rick H. Cote
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biology
Kyu Joon Lee, Ziyin Li
Summary: This study identifies the CRK2-CYC13 complex as an S-phase regulator in T. brucei and reveals its role in regulating DNA replication through promoting the assembly of the Cdc45-Mcm2-7-GINS complex. The findings suggest that T. brucei may utilize unique mechanisms for DNA replication compared to other organisms, as it lacks many conserved DNA replication factors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tai An, Huiqing Hu, Ziyin Li
Summary: KPP1 regulates the activity of TbPLK by dephosphorylating it at Thr125, preventing hyperphosphorylation of TbCentrin2 and ensuring proper flagellum positioning and attachment in Trypanosoma brucei.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadide Altincekic, Sophie Marianne Korn, Nusrat Shahin Qureshi, Marie Dujardin, Marti Ninot-Pedrosa, Rupert Abele, Marie Jose Abi Saad, Caterina Alfano, Fabio C. L. Almeida, Islam Alshamleh, Gisele Cardoso de Amorim, Thomas K. Anderson, Cristiane D. Anobom, Chelsea Anorma, Jasleen Kaur Bains, Adriaan Bax, Martin Blackledge, Julius Blechar, Anja Bockmann, Louis Brigandat, Anna Bula, Matthias Buetikofer, Aldo R. Camacho-Zarco, Teresa Carlomagno, Icaro Putinhon Caruso, Betul Ceylan, Apirat Chaikuad, Feixia Chu, Laura Cole, Marquise G. Crosby, Vanessa de Jesus, Karthikeyan Dhamotharan, Isabella C. Felli, Jan Ferner, Yanick Fleischmann, Marie-Laure Fogeron, Nikolaos K. Fourkiotis, Christin Fuks, Boris Fuertig, Angelo Gallo, Santosh L. Gande, Juan Atilio Gerez, Dhiman Ghosh, Francisco Gomes-Neto, Oksana Gorbatyuk, Serafima Guseva, Carolin Hacker, Sabine Haefner, Bing Hao, Bruno Hargittay, K. Henzler-Wildman, Jeffrey C. Hoch, Katharina F. Hohmann, Marie T. Hutchison, Kristaps Jaudzems, Katarina Jovic, Janina Kaderli, Gints Kalnins, Iveta Kanepe, Robert N. Kirchdoerfer, John Kirkpatrick, Stefan Knapp, Robin Krishnathas, Felicitas Kutz, Susanne zur Lage, Roderick Lambertz, Andras Lang, Douglas Laurents, Lauriane Lecoq, Verena Linhard, Frank Loehr, Anas Malki, Luiza Mamigonian Bessa, Rachel W. Martin, Tobias Matzel, Damien Maurin, Seth W. McNutt, Nathane Cunha Mebus-Antunes, Beat H. Meier, Nathalie Meiser, Miguel Mompean, Elisa Monaca, Roland Montserret, Laura Marino Perez, Celine Moser, Claudia Muhle-Goll, Thais Cristtina Neves-Martins, Xiamonin Ni, Brenna Norton-Baker, Roberta Pierattelli, Letizia Pontoriero, Yulia Pustovalova, Oliver Ohlenschlaeger, Julien Orts, Andrea T. Da Poian, Dennis J. Pyper, Christian Richter, Roland Riek, Chad M. Rienstra, Angus Robertson, Anderson S. Pinheiro, Raffaele Sabbatella, Nicola Salvi, Krishna Saxena, Linda Schulte, Marco Schiavina, Harald Schwalbe, Mara Silber, Marcius da Silva Almeida, Marc A. Sprague-Piercy, Georgios A. Spyroulias, Sridhar Sreeramulu, Jan-Niklas Tants, Kaspars Tars, Felix Torres, Sabrina Toews, Miguel A. Trevino, Sven Trucks, Aikaterini C. Tsika, Krisztina Varga, Ying Wang, Marco E. Weber, Julia E. Weigand, Christoph Wiedemann, Julia Wirmer-Bartoschek, Maria Alexandra Wirtz Martin, Johannes Zehnder, Martin Hengesbach, Andreas Schlundt
Summary: The international COVID19-NMR consortium aims to gather scientific expertise worldwide to provide new approaches for understanding the molecular components of SARS-CoV-2. By making viral proteins and RNAs available, the consortium accelerates research on the virus and provides protocols for large-scale production. The NMR investigations and resources disclosed through the consortium offer valuable insights and tools for further studies on SARS-CoV-2.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Catherine J. Merrick, Sabrina Absalon, Mathieu Brochet, Ziyin Li, Elena S. Suvorova
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ankita Srivastava, Daniela L. Ambrosio, Monika Tasak, Ujwala Gosavi, Arthur Gunzl
Summary: This passage discusses how the pre-mRNA splicing factor PRP19 is recruited into the spliceosome in humans and yeast, as well as the role of spliced leader trans splicing in Trypanosomatidae. It also highlights the discovery of essential proteins like PRC5 in cell viability and pre-mRNA splicing, leading to the formation of the PRP19-related complex (PRC) in trypanosomes, which interacts with unique proteins like SYF1, SYF3, and ISY1. These findings reveal a distinct pre-organization of proteins in trypanosomes compared to other organisms.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xiao-Li Cai, Su-Jin Li, Peng Zhang, Ziyin Li, Geoff Hide, De-Hua Lai, Zhao-Rong Lun
Summary: This study generated a series of monomorphic trypanosome stocks by artificially syringe-passage in mice and compared them with naturally monomorphic trypanosomes. The results showed that laboratory-adapted monomorphic trypanosomes could still differentiate, while naturally monomorphic strains completely failed to differentiate. These findings provide new insights into the origin of naturally monomorphic strains and suggest potential risks associated with the malignant evolution of trypanosomes.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qing Zhou, Huiqing Hu, Ziyin Li
Summary: This study investigates the role of the orphan kinesin KLIF in cleavage furrow ingression and identifies a group of cytoskeletal proteins associated with KLIF as essential regulators of cytokinesis. Depletion of KLIF impairs the resolution of the nascent posterior of the old-flagellar daughter cell, leading to a blockade of cleavage furrow ingression. Proximity biotinylation further identifies a subset of cytoskeleton-associated proteins as KLIF-proximal proteins, with CAP46 and CAP52 crucial for positioning the cleavage furrow while CAP42 and CAP50 promote furrow ingression.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yasuhiro Kurasawa, Kyu Joon Lee, Ziyin Li
Summary: This study revealed the functional roles and interplay of structural motifs in the trypanosome-specific cytokinesis regulator CIF3, shedding light on the cooperative roles of cytokinesis regulators in promoting cytokinesis in Trypanosoma brucei.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kieu T. M. Pham, Qing Zhou, Kyu Joon Lee, Ziyin Li
Summary: The parasite Trypanosoma brucei has a motile flagellum that plays crucial roles in cell division, morphology control, and cell-cell communication. The microtubule quartet (MtQ) originates from the basal body and extends towards the anterior of the cell, regulating the positioning of the new flagellum.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yasuhiro Kurasawa, Kyu Joon Lee, Huiqing Hu, Kieu T. M. Pham, Ziyin Li
Summary: The study demonstrates that TbPLK and TbAUK1 phosphorylate the cytokinesis regulators CIF1 and CIF2 in Trypanosoma brucei. TbPLK interacts with CIF1 in S/G2 phases, maintaining its localization until early mitosis; TbAUK1 maintains CIF1 and CIF2 localization from late mitosis.
Article
Microbiology
Kyu Joon R. Lee, Qing Zhou, Ziyin R. Li
Summary: The S-phase cyclin-dependent kinase-cyclin complex CRK2-CYC13 regulates microtubule dynamics in Trypanosoma brucei by phosphorylating beta-tubulin to restrict excessive microtubule extension, thereby maintaining cytoskeleton architecture.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tong Wu, Jennifer Nance, Feixia Chu, Thomas G. Fazzio
Summary: Chromatin-associated RNAs play diverse roles in the nucleus, with a subset forming R-loop structures that are important for gene regulation and immune response. Identified R-loop-interacting proteins, including DEAD-box RNA helicases, are crucial for rRNA processing and gene expression regulation, particularly in maintaining the normal embryonic stem cell transcriptome.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2021)