Identification of a type I nitroreductase gene in non-virulent Trypanosoma rangeli

Marjorie Montenegro, Claudia Cuervo, Constanza Cardenas, Silvia Duarte, Jenny R. Díaz, M. Carmen Thomas, Manuel C. Lopez, Concepcion J. Puerta

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Trypanosomatid type I nitroreductases (NTRs), i.e., mitochondrial enzymes that metabolise nitroaromatic prodrugs, are essential for parasite growth, infection, and survival. Here, a type I NTR of non-virulent protozoan Trypanosoma rangeli is described and compared to those of other trypanosomatids. The NTR gene was isolated from KP1(+) and KP1(-) strains, and its corresponding transcript and 5’ untranslated region (5’UTR) were determined. Bioinformatics analyses and nitro-drug activation assays were also performed. The results indicated that the type I NTR gene is present in both KP1(-) and KP1(+) strains, with 98% identity. However, the predicted subcellular localisation of the protein differed among the strains (predicted as mitochondrial in the KP1(+) strain). Comparisons of the domains and 3D structures of the NTRs with those of orthologs demonstrated that the nitroreductase domain of T. rangeli NTR is conserved across all the strains, including the residues involved in the interaction with the FMN cofactor and in the tertiary structure characteristics of this oxidoreductase protein family. mRNA processing and expression were also observed. In addition, T. rangeli was shown to be sensitive to benznidazole and nifurtimox in a concentration-dependent manner. In summary, T. rangeli appears to have a newly discovered functional type I NTR.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)504-509
Number of pages6
JournalMemorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
Volume112
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2017

Keywords

  • Trypanosoma cruzi
  • Trypanosoma rangeli
  • Type I nitroreductase

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