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Published on: November 5, 2021
Sialyl-Tn antigen expression and O-linked GalNAc-Thr synthesis by Trypanosoma cruzi
Teresa Freire1, Carlos Robello, Silvia Soulé
1Depto. de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Abstract:
Most Trypanosoma cruzi O-glycans are linked to Thr/Ser residues via N-acetylglucosamine. We report that the mucin-type carcinoma-associated sialyl-Tn antigen (NeuAc-GalNAc-O-Ser/Thr) is expressed by T. cruzi. A specific MAb allowed us to localize the antigen on the surface of epimastigotes and to identify reactive components in parasite lysates (32, 60, and 94kDa). In addition, ppGalNAc-T activity was characterized in epimastigotes, and direct evidence was obtained for the in vitro incorporation of GalNAc to a synthetic peptide derived from a T. cruzi mucin. These results add an as yet unknown complexity to the pathways of O-glycan biosynthesis in this protozoan parasite.
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