Proteomic analysis of Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis flagella reveal unique post ‐translational modifications in tubulin that provide clues to regulation of their motilities

In this study, we have analyzed the tubulin post-translational modification in the protozoan parasitesGiardia lamblia andTrichomonas vaginalis using global, untargeted mass spectrometry. We show that tubulin monoglycylation is a modification localized to the flagella present inG. lamblia but absent inT. vaginalis. We also show the presence of glutamylated tubulin in bothG. lamblia andT. vaginalis. Using MS/MS, we were also able to identify the previously unknown sites of monoglycylation in β-tubulin at E438 and E439 inG. lamblia. Using isolated flagella, we also characterized the flagellar proteome inG. lamblia andT. vaginalis and identified 475 proteins inG. lamblia and 386 proteins inT. vaginalis flagella. Altogether, the flagellar proteomes as well as the sites of tubulin PTMs in these organisms, reveal potential mechanisms in regulating flagellar motilities in these neglected protozoan parasites.
Source: Proteomics - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research