Proteomic analysis of Leishmania mexicana differentiation.

Journal article

We have resolved the proteome of axenically differentiated Leishmania mexicana parasites by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE), employing optimised, robust and reproducible procedures, and visualised (by silver staining) approximately 2000 protein species in each of three developmental stages: procyclic promastigotes, metacyclic promastigotes and amastigotes. This analysis has used homogeneous populations of these parasite stages, characterised according to their morphology, protease and nuclease activity profiles and expression of stage-specific antigens. Following comparison of the whole proteome profiles between stages, 47 spots were found to be stage-specific, while a further 100 spots changed in intensity during differentiation. The majority of "unique" spots were expressed during the infective stages of parasite differentiation, metacyclic promastigotes and amastigotes. CapLC-QTOF mass spectrometry has allowed the identification of 47 protein species to date, including a number which are only detected in the amastigote stage. Proteins identified are members of eight functionally related groupings, some of which are implicated in infectivity and host-parasite interactions.

Authors: Nugent, P; Karsani, SA; Wait, R; Tempero, J; Smith, D

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Molecular and biochemical parasitology
• Volume: 136
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 51-62
• Publication date: 2004-07-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2004.02.009
• EISSN: 1872-9428
• ISSN: 0166-6851
• Language: English
• Keywords: Mass Spectrometry; Silver Staining; Leishmania mexicana; Life Cycle Stages; Animals; Gene Expression Regulation; Proteome; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; Protozoan Proteins