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  • Title: Characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi L-cysteine transport mechanisms and their adaptive regulation.
    Author: Canepa GE, Bouvier LA, Miranda MR, Uttaro AD, Pereira CA.
    Journal: FEMS Microbiol Lett; 2009 Mar; 292(1):27-32. PubMed ID: 19175408.
    Abstract:
    L-Cysteine and methionine are unique amino acids that act as sulfur donors in all organisms. In the specific case of Trypanosomatids, L-cysteine is particularly relevant as a substrate in the synthesis of trypanothione. Although it can be synthesized de novo, L-cysteine is actively transported in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote cells. L-Cysteine uptake is highly specific; none of the amino acids assayed yield significant differences in terms of transport rates. L-Cysteine is transported by epimastigote cells with a calculated apparent K(m) of 49.5 microM and a V(max) of about 13 pmol min(-1) per 10(7) cells. This transport is finely regulated by amino acid starvation, extracellular pH, and between the parasite growth phases. In addition, L-cysteine is incorporated post-translationally into proteins, suggesting its role in iron-sulfur core formation. Finally, the metabolic fates of Lcysteine were predicted in silico.
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