Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Measuring Dynamic Glycosomal pH Changes in Living Trypanosoma brucei
Published on: January 19, 2024
TbARF1 influences lysosomal function but not endocytosis in procyclic stage Trypanosoma brucei
Helen P Price1, Meg Stark, Barbara Smith
1Immunology and Infection Unit, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5YW, UK.
Abstract:
The ADP ribosylation factors (Arfs) are a highly conserved subfamily of the Ras small GTPases with crucial roles in vesicle budding and membrane trafficking. Unlike in other eukaryotes, the orthologue of Arf1 in the host bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei is essential for the maintenance of endocytosis. In contrast, as shown in this study, knockdown of TbARF1 by RNA interference has no effect on fluid-phase endocytosis in the insect stage of the parasite. The protein remains essential for the viability of these procyclic cells but the major effect of TbARF1-depletion is enlargement of the lysosome. Our data indicate that protein trafficking and lysosomal function are differentially regulated by multiple factors, including TbARF1, during progression through the T. brucei lifecycle.
Related Concept Videos
Lysosomal Hydrolases
Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...

