Maintenance of the cell surface of trypanosomes. (360G-Wellcome-090007_Z_09_Z)

To investigate the roles of critical trafficking pathways underpinning the host-pathogen interface of trypanosomes, and specifically, aspects of the biosynthesis, maintenance and turnover of cell surface components. 1. To extend understanding of the role of ubiquitylation and peptide-based signals in targeting, internalization and turnover of membrane proteins, using TbAT1, the melarsoprol P2 transporter, as a model. 2. The examine the roles of ENTH/ANTH-domain adaptor protein family, AP18 0 and EpsinR, in sorting of the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), invariant surface glycoproteins (ISGs) and other proteins. 3. To assess contributions of three Ras-like GTPases, TbRab21, TbRab23 and TbRab28, to endocytic trafficking and sorting, and address how these molecules interact with established endosomal and intraflagellar transport (IFT) pathways. 4. To assess the contributions of the exocyst complex to exocytosis of VSG, ISG and other proteins, and to explore the relationship bet ween exocyst function in vesicle trafficking and IFT.