Proper mitochondrial genome inheritance is important for eukaryotic cell survival. Trypanosoma brucei, a protozoan parasite, contains a singular mitochondrial genome, the kDNA. The kDNA is anchored to the basal body via the tripartite attachment complex (TAC) to ensure proper segregation. Several components of the TAC have been described. However, the connection of the TAC to the kDNA remains elusive. Here, we characterize the TAC associated protein TAP110. Depletion as well as overexpression of TAP110 leads to a delay in the separation of the replicated kDNA networks. Proteome analysis after TAP110 overexpression identified several kDNA associated proteins including a TEX-like protein that dually localizes to the nucleus and the kDNA potentially linking replication/segregation in the two compartments. The assembly of TAP110 into the TAC region seems to require the TAC but not the kDNA itself, however once TAP110 has been assembled it also interacts with the kDNA. Finally, for the first time we use ultrastructure expansion microscopy in trypanosomes to reveal the precise position of TAP110 between TAC102 and the kDNA, showcasing the potential of this approach.
Comparative proteome analysis of A- and B-type starch granule-associated proteins in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Aegilops crassa
