A. Zikova

Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream form mitochondrion is capable of ATP production by substrate phoshorylation

This study shows that Trypanosoma brucei mitochondria can produce ATP via substrate phosphorylation, which is crucial under nutrient-limited conditions.

The bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei displays non-canonical gluconeogenesis

This study identifies a non-canonical gluconeogenesis pathway in Trypanosoma brucei by showing sustained metabolic flux despite gene knockouts, suggesting a unique enzyme is involved.

The ancestral shape of the access proton path of mitochondrial ATP synthases revealed by a split subunit-a

The paper identifies a conserved N-terminal helix in subunit-a that defines the proton entry path in mitochondrial ATP synthases, revealing its evolutionary origin in the mitochondrial ancestor.

Repurposing of mitochondria-targeted tamoxifen: Novel anti-cancer drug exhibits potent activity against major protozoan and fungal pathogens.

This paper demonstrates that MitoTam, a mitochondria-targeted tamoxifen analog, effectively kills various pathogens including fungi, Plasmodium falciparum, and trypanosomatid parasites in vitro and in vivo.

MICOS and F1FO-ATP synthase crosstalk is a fundamental property of mitochondrial cristae

The paper shows that MICOS and F1FO-ATP synthase crosstalk, which shapes mitochondrial cristae, is conserved in Trypanosoma brucei despite 2 billion years of independent evolution.

Fly stage trypanosomes recycle glucose catabolites and TCA cycle intermediates to stimulate growth in near physiological conditions

This study shows procyclic trypanosomes can use TCA cycle intermediates and glucose catabolites for growth in the fly midgut, expanding their metabolic flexibility.

Interconnected assembly factors regulate the biogenesis of mitoribosomal large subunit

The paper identifies 22 assembly factors involved in mitoribosomal large subunit biogenesis in Trypanosoma brucei, revealing their structural organization and functional roles.

Depletion of cardiolipin induces major changes in energy metabolism in Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream forms

This study shows that depletion of cardiolipin in Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream forms disrupts mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, leading to reduced ATP levels and altered metabolic pathways.