Cofactor-independent phosphoglycerate mutase is an essential gene in procyclic form Trypanosoma brucei

Parasitol Res. 2007 Mar;100(4):887-92. doi: 10.1007/s00436-006-0332-7. Epub 2006 Oct 6.

Abstract

Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis are, in part, driven by the interconversion of 3- and 2-phosphoglycerate (3-PG and 2-PG) which is performed by phosphoglycerate mutases (PGAMs) which can be cofactor dependant (dPGAM) or cofactor independent (iPGAM). The African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, possesses the iPGAM form which is thought to play an important role in glycolysis. Here, we report on the use of RNA interference to down-regulate the T. brucei iPGAM in procyclic form T. brucei and evaluation of the resulting phenotype. We first demonstrated biochemically that depletion of the steady state levels of iPGM mRNA correlates with a marked reduction of enzyme activity. We further show that iPGAM is required for cell growth in procyclic T. brucei.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coenzymes
  • Genes, Essential / genetics*
  • Phosphoglycerate Mutase / genetics*
  • Time Factors
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / enzymology*
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / genetics*
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / growth & development

Substances

  • Coenzymes
  • Phosphoglycerate Mutase