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Localization and Functional Characterization of the Alternative Oxidase in Naegleria

Cantoni, Diego M., Osborne, Ashley, Taib, Najwa, Thompson, GS, Kazana, Eleanna, Edrich, Elizabeth, Brown, Ian R., Gribaldo, Simonetta, Gourlay, Campbell W., Tsaousis, Anastasios D. and others. (2020) Localization and Functional Characterization of the Alternative Oxidase in Naegleria. bioRXiV, . (doi:10.1101/2020.09.26.314807) (KAR id:83221)

Abstract

The Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a protein involved in maintaining the Krebs cycle in instances where the respiratory chain has been inhibited, while allowing for the maintenance of cell growth and necessary metabolic processes for survival. Among eukaryotes, alternative oxidases have disperse distribution and are found in plants, fungi and a few protists, including Naegleria ssp. Naegleria species are free-living unicellular amoeboflagellates, and include the pathogenic species of N. fowleri, the so-called brain eating amoeba. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we aimed to understand the evolution, localization and function of AOX and the role that plays in Naegleria’s biology. Our analyses suggest that the protein was present in last common ancestor of the genus and structure prediction showed that all functional residues are also present in Naegleria species. Using a combination of cellular and biochemical techniques, we also functionally characterize N. gruberi’s AOX in its mitochondria and we demonstrate that its inactivation affects its proliferation. Consequently, we discuss the benefits of the presence of this protein in Naegleria species, along with its potential pathogenicity role in N. fowleri. We predict that our findings will spearhead new explorations to understand the cell biology, metabolism and evolution of Naegleria and other free-living relatives.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1101/2020.09.26.314807
Uncontrolled keywords: Naegleria, Respiration; mitochondria; confocal microscopy; evolution; adaptation
Subjects: Q Science > QR Microbiology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Depositing User: Anastasios Tsaousis
Date Deposited: 01 Oct 2020 15:50 UTC
Last Modified: 01 Apr 2022 22:08 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/83221 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Thompson, GS.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9399-7636
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Kazana, Eleanna.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Edrich, Elizabeth.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Brown, Ian R..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Gourlay, Campbell W..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2373-6788
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Tsaousis, Anastasios D..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5424-1905
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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