The three-dimensional structure of the cytostome-cytopharinx complex of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes

• DOI: 10.1242/jcs.135491
• Publication Date: 2014-03-08T03:50:47Z
• Authors: Carolina de L. Al...; Juliana C. Vidal; Wanderley de Souza; Narcisa L. Cunha-...
• Keywords: Cell membrane

The cytostome-cytopharinx complex is the main site of endocytosis Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes. Little known about detailed morphology this remarkable structure. We used serial electron tomography and focused ion beam-scanning microscopy to reconstruct entire complex, including surrounding cytoskeleton vesicles. Focusing on cells that had taken up gold-labeled tracers, we produced 3D snapshots process endocytosis. cytostome was composed two microtubule sets: a triplet started underneath membrane quartet originated flagellar pocket followed preoral ridge before reaching cytopharinx. sets accompanied cytopharinx forming ‘gutter’ leaving microtubule-free side, where vesicles were found associated. Cargo unevenly distributed along lumen cytopharinx, clusters. slightly longer in G2 phase cell cycle, although it did not reach post nuclear region due bend its path. Therefore, dynamic structure, undergoing remodeling, likely associated with endocytic activity preparation for division.