Metabolic adaptation of Trichomonas vaginalis to growth rate and glucose availability

Article Abstract:

The specific activities of 12 of the enzymes involved in glucose metabolism were adapted by Trichomonas vaginalis, a human genito-urinary tract parasite, to the growth rate and glucose availability. A strong correlation to each other was observed in the specific activities of the enzymes, with the sole exception of lactate dehydrogenase. Production rates of the three major end-products, namely, lactate, acetate and glycerol, increased as growth rates rose. Growth rates and glucose availability were also found to strongly affect the ratio of the end products. Production rates of glycerol and acetate were heavily controlled by the specific activities of the enzymes catalyzing the final reactions of their respective pathways.

Analysis, Metabolic regulation, Glucose metabolism

Influence of growth conditions on RNA levels in relation to activity of core metabolic enzymes in the parasitic protists Trypanosoma brucei and Trichomonas vaginalis

Article Abstract:

Levels of mRNAs encoding metabolic enzymes and their cellular activities were assessed on continuous culture samples of the parasitic protists Trypanosoma brucei and Trichomonas vaginalis. The bacteria were grown in chemostats at different growth rates under glucose limitation or in the presence of excess glucose, causing extensive adaptation of the cellular activities of glycolytic enzymes. Findings showed that RNA levels in Trypanosoma brucei and Trichomonas vaginalis are determined by growth rate and in the latter species by the presence of the carbon and energy source.

Messenger RNA, Trypanosoma brucei, Glycolysis

Uptake of amino acids by the parasitic, flagellated protist Trichomonas vaginalis

Article Abstract:

The flagellated protozoon, Trichomonas vaginalis, uses amino acids as energy substrates but are not indispensable in the presence of carbohydrates. Maltose is also used as the energy substrate for growth and persistence. Large concentrations of amino acids are used in the absence of maltose, as determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The consumed amino acids are arginine, leucine, threonine and methionine.

Usage, Observations, Amino acids, High performance liquid chromatography