The bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei acquires iron from transferrin by receptor-mediated endocytosis. However, it is unknown how procyclic forms that cannot bind transferrin acquire iron. Here, we show that the procyclic form of T. brucei efficiently takes up iron from ferric complexes via a reductive mechanism and that iron obtained using this mechanism is transported to, and used in, the mitochondria. The affinity of the transport system is comparable to that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with an apparent Km of 0.85 μM.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 April 2013
Efficient Iron Uptake via a Reductive Mechanism in Procyclic Trypanosoma brucei
Jan Mach,
Jan Tachezy,
Robert Sutak
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
Journal of Parasitology
Vol. 99 • No. 2
April 2013
Vol. 99 • No. 2
April 2013