The effect of down-regulation of mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins MRP1 and MRP2 on respiratory complexes in procyclic Trypanosoma brucei

Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2006 Sep;149(1):65-73. doi: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.04.007. Epub 2006 May 15.

Abstract

MRP1 and MRP2 are multifunctional mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins with a regulatory role in RNA editing and putative role(s) in RNA processing in Trypanosoma brucei. Silencing of MRP1 and/or MRP2 by RNA interference affected the assembly and functionality of respiratory complexes. The absence of several subunits of complexes I, III and IV resulted in their disintegration and subsequent decrease of specific activities and also caused a significant decrease of membrane potential. The overall respiration in the interfered cells decreased by only about 20%, since the trypanosome alternative oxidase effectively replaced the missing cytochromes and became the principal terminal oxidase.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Down-Regulation
  • Electron Transport
  • Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins / metabolism*
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / genetics
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases / genetics
  • RNA Editing
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / genetics
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / metabolism*

Substances

  • Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Electron Transport Complex IV
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases