Subcellular proteomics reveals a blueprint for endosymbiont integration in trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei

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Authors: Michael Hammond, Ľubomíra Chmelová, Natascha A. van Geelen-Kuenzel, Anay K. Maurya, Éden Ramalho de Araujo [UNIFESP] Ferreira, Vanesa Puente, Lawrence Rudy Cadena, Kristína Záhonová, Adam Dowle, Jeremy C. Mottram, Eva C. M. Nowack, Julius Lukeš
+1 more Vyacheslav Yurchenko
Cited by: 2
References: 86

Abstract

The acquisition of endosymbionts is a fundamental process that has driven the evolution of eukaryotes. The tree of life is filled with cases of internalised prokaryotes that have become integrated into their hosts, often forming mutually beneficial relationships. The trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei is one such case, harbouring a single β-proteobacterial endosymbiont. This symbiotic relationship is highly advanced, as evidenced by the identification of host-encoded proteins that are targeted to the bacterium and control its division. To deeper understand this integration, we performed an in-depth subcellular proteomic analysis to determine the compartmental localisation of both host and endosymbiont proteins. Our analysis resolved over 5,000 host proteins and over 400 endosymbiont proteins. We used this rich dataset to identify several novel host-encoded proteins targeted to the bacterium, and validated our predictions using genetic manipulations and microscopy. By mapping the localised enzymatic repertoire, we were able to shed light on metabolic interplay between the two organisms. We confirmed an energetic basis for the previously observed association between the host's glycosomes and its endosymbiont, and discovered an interaction between the endosymbiont and the host's acidocalcisomes. This subcellular proteomic dataset provides a comprehensive foundation for future research into the remarkable process of bacterial integration.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Trypanosoma species research and implications Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences Bacteriophages and microbial interactions

Publication details

Journal / source
Nature Communications
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
17
Issue
1
Publication date
3 March 2026
Language
EN