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Glucose transport in Crithidia luciliae
L A Knodler1, P J Schofield, M R Edwards
1School of Biochemistry, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia.
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Researchers characterized the glucose transport system in Crithidia luciliae choanomastigotes using 2-deoxy-D-glucose. The study indicates a facilitated diffusion mechanism for glucose uptake, crucial for understanding parasite metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Crithidia luciliae is a kinetoplastid parasite.
- Understanding nutrient transport is vital for antiparasitic drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the glucose transport system in Crithidia luciliae choanomastigotes.
- To elucidate the mechanism of glucose uptake in this parasite.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the glucose analogue 2-deoxy-D-glucose to study uptake kinetics.
- Investigated temperature dependence, substrate specificity, and the effect of inhibitors.
- Performed exchange and efflux experiments to understand transport dynamics.
Main Results:
- Glucose uptake was temperature-dependent (Q10=2) and saturable (Km=0.22 mM, Vmax=5.5 nmol min-1 (mg protein)-1 at 23°C).
- Demonstrated specific substrate recognition, with D-glucose analogues competing for transport.
- Identified inhibition by various metabolic inhibitors and ionophores, suggesting energy dependence or membrane integrity involvement.
Conclusions:
- The results strongly suggest the presence of a specific glucose transporter in Crithidia luciliae.
- The transport mechanism is consistent with facilitated diffusion.
- This characterization provides a basis for targeting glucose uptake in anti-parasitic strategies.