Homoserine and quorum‐sensing acyl homoserine lactones as alternative sources of threonine: a potential role for homoserine kinase in insect‐stage Trypanosoma brucei

• DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12853
• Publication Date: 2014-11-04T03:46:49Z
• Authors: Han B. Ong; Wai S. Lee; Stephen Patterson; Susan Wyllie; Alan H. Fairlamb
• Keywords: Homoserine

De novo synthesis of threonine from aspartate occurs via the β-aspartyl phosphate pathway in plants, bacteria and fungi. However, Trypanosoma brucei genome encodes only last two steps this pathway: homoserine kinase (HSK) synthase. Here, we investigated possible roles for incomplete through biochemical, genetic nutritional studies. Purified recombinant TbHSK specifically phosphorylates L-homoserine displays kinetic properties similar to other HSKs. HSK null mutants generated bloodstream forms displayed no growth phenotype vitro or loss virulence vivo. following transformation into procyclic forms, homoserine, lactone certain acyl lactones (AHLs) were found substitute media wild-type procyclics, but not mutants. The tsetse fly is considered be an unlikely source these nutrients as it feeds exclusively on mammalian blood. Bioinformatic studies predict that endosymbionts possess part (up Wigglesworthia glossinidia) all (Sodalis glossinidius). In addition S. glossinidius known produce 3-oxohexanoylhomoserine which also supports trypanosome growth. We propose T. has retained synthase order salvage when availability limiting.