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The characterisation of calpain-like proteins in Trypanosoma brucei

Liu, Wen

Authors



Contributors

Klaus Ersfeld
Supervisor

Abstract

Calpains are a ubiquitous family of calcium-dependent cysteine proteases involved in a wide range of cell regulatory and differentiation processes. In many protozoan organisms, atypical calpains have been discovered that lack the characteristic calcium-binding penta-EF-hand motif of typical vertebrate calpains and most of these novel calpain-like proteins are non-enzymatic homologues of typical calpains. The gene family is particularly expanded in ciliates and kinetoplastids, comprising 25 members in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Unique to kinetoplastids, some calpain-like proteins contain N-terminal dual myristoylation/palmitoylation signals, a protein modification involved in protein-membrane associations. We analysed the expression of calpain-like proteins in the insect (procyclic) and bloodstream-stage of T. brucei using quantitative real time PCR and identified the differential expression of some of the calpain genes. We also present a comprehensive analysis of the subcellular localisation of selected members of this protein family in trypanosomes. Here, of particular interest is the role of protein acylation for targeting to the flagellum. We show that, although acylation is important for flagellar targeting, additional signals are required to specify the precise subcellular localisation.

Citation

Liu, W. (2010). The characterisation of calpain-like proteins in Trypanosoma brucei. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4214144

Thesis Type Thesis
Deposit Date May 31, 2013
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Keywords Biological sciences
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4214144
Additional Information Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Hull
Award Date Jul 1, 2010

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Copyright Statement
© 2010 Liu, Wen. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder.




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